Sarabjit Singh's death shocks Raza Murad

Raza Murad who stood relentlessly by Sarabjit Singh’s family and even undertook the task of  a signed petition pleading for his release from Pakistani prison is very angry and upset at  the Indian soldier’s brutal death.

Says Raza, “Sarabjit’s death shows the irresponsible ruthless side of the Pakistani government. I can see Sarabjit’s blood on the hands of the Pak jail authorities. The coldblooded conspiracy of exposing Sarabjit as a bait to the hardened armed convicts shows the true intent of the attack. His murder is unforgivable.”

Raza Murad feels our government adopted a soft attitude in the matter. “Our Indian government made only half-hearted attempts for his release. A strongly-worded protest would’ve made a world of difference. Our government didn’t treat this matter on a priority basis. My heart bleeds for Sarabjit. The inhuman torture that he suffered in a Pakistani jail for two decades is unimaginable.”

Raza wants heads to roll. “The Pak authorities should hang their heads in shame. Then they should hang those brute convicts who participated in this savage cowardly act.”

Shatrughan Sinha, on the other hand, advices caution, restrain and moderation in responding to the provocation from across the border.

In fact Shatruji continues to maintain warm relations in Pakistan on a non-political level. Zia ul Haq’s daughter Zian is Shatruji’s surrogate sister. In January he attended Zian’s son’s marriage in Islamabad.

And now Zian Haq was in Mumbai last week as Shatrughan Sinha’s guest. He even hosted a lunch for her attended by political bigwigs.

Says Shatruji, “Zian is my mooh-boli bahen .She was here as my guest. My relations with Zia Ul Haq’s family have nothing to do with politics.”

The outspoken actor-politician feels that peace talks between the two countries must continue. “Compared with earlier times the civilians in Pakistan are very pro-India today. I was there in Lahore when India won and Pakistan lost the cricket match. There was no hungama after that. Over here everyone in politics is trying to show his loyalty to 'The King' by shouting the loudest against Pakistan. However, that doesn't mean I condone incidents such as the one that happened. What I am saying is that progressive-thinking people on both sides want peace. Those who believe in peaceful co-existence would never want such incidents to happen. The dialogue between the two countries must continue uninterrupted.”