Sanaullah Haq

History Haq was born in the Dalowali village in the Sialkot District of Punjab, Pakistan. He was arrested in 1990 after he accidentally crossed the border. He was convicted under Terrorism & Disruptive Activities Act for militancy and waging war against India and was sentenced to life in prison in 2009, by the Indian courts. According to a controversial report of Hindustan Times, he was a gardener by profession and in 1990s he got associated with Hizbul Mujahideen and was involved in two bomb blasts in 1994 which resulted in death of 14 people.

Attack and treatment Haq was attacked in the early hours of 3 May 2013, and suffered serious head injuries. The officials said that he was hit with a sharp weapon (later reported to be an axe). Sanaullah was later admitted to the Government Medical College hospital in Jammu, where he slipped into a coma and his condition was reported to be serious. Later, he was flown to Chandigarh, where he was admitted to the ICU in the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research.

Death On 6 May 2013, the Indian doctors of the PGI Chandigarh reported that Sanaullah was brain dead. The condition of Haq had continued to be critically sick with no neurological improvement. On 8 May, Haq suffered renal failure and doctors reported his condition to be "extremely critical".

Sanaullah died on 9 May 2013 and according to doctors he died from multiple organ failure resulting from severe head injuries. His body was returned to his hometown in Sialkot on 9 May. The Pakistani High Commission in Delhi sought According to the mission, Pakistan High Commission has asked for detailed information of the incident, immediate consular access, medical facilities for the victim and security of other inmates. Following his death, the Pakistan High Commissioner requested the Government of India for an international inquiry into the incidence which India promptly denied suggesting that the issue should be addressed through bilateral means. The spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs also said that "We would like to reiterate the offer made by us on May 3, calling for a meeting with the relevant Pakistani authorities to take immediate steps to enhance the safety, security and humane treatment of Indian prisoners in Pakistani jails".

Reactions Foreign Chairman Press Council of India, Justice Markandey Katju, also appealed for his release after the attack and stated:

In Jammu and Kashmir, funeral prayers of Sanaullah were offered in absentia in different areas including the Jamia Masjid, Srinagar which was led by All Parties Hurriyat Conference chairman. Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, also showed concern over the incident stating that "the fact this is happening at all is a matter of great regret".

Domestic On 7 May, during a telephone conversation with then, the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Chaudhry Abdul Majid, the Prime Minister of Pakistan discussed the health concerns of Sanaullah and prayed for his health. After his death, the Prime Minister termed the event as 'tragic and most unfortunate' and stated:

He also stated that in light of the event leading up to Sanaullah's death, both countries must address the humanitarian issues of the prisoners. The spokesperson of Pakistan High Commission in India stated that this constitutes an "extra-judicial killing of an innocent citizen of Pakistan right under the noses of the Indian jail authorities" and an inquiry of international level should be carried out to find and punish the culprits. His death also prompted the calls for release and repatriation of Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails who have completed their sentences. Pakistani High Commission in a statement demanded release of 47 Pakistani prisoners who are languishing in Indian prisons after serving their time.

Demonstrations Protests were held in Pakistan and Kashmir to demonstrate against the attack on Sanaullah. Following the death of Sanaullah, Pakistani inmates at the Kot Bhalwal Jail fasted and staged protests against India. Some Pakistani inmates also had verbal brawls with Indian inmates and to prevent escalation, force was used by jail authorities. Syed Ali Shah Geelani, said that the Government should register the jail superintendent for murder and called for peaceful protest across the Kashmir Valley. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan reacted sternly stating that this is a "matter of deep concern for Government of Pakistan" and that the perpetrators of the crime be brought to justice. The two incidents of Sarabjit and Sanaullah's murders have put strain on the relations of the two country. Following the incidence, Pakistan Foreign Ministry issued a travel advisory stating that some disturbing reports in Indian media indicates that Pakistani travelers may be in danger and also called upon India to provide security to Pakistani visitors. However, Indian Deputy High Commissioner stated that "due to the prevailing security environment in India following recent bilateral incidents", India will be unable to ensure safety and therefore Pakistan should call off visit to Ajmer Sharif this year.

Impact on Pak-India relations Sanaullah's murder had an adverse effect on Pak-India relations and have further strained the ties between the two neighbours. According to Hindustan Times, the handling of the case has resulted in a 'face-off' on the matter of probe.