New Delhi:
A Pakistani prisoner who was attacked in a jail in Jammu early this morning "is stable and under medical watch," India's Ministry of External Affairs said this evening. He was airlifted to Chandigarh earlier today.
54-year-old Sanaullah Ranjay was assaulted with bricks by an ex-soldier convicted of murder when inmates were gardening, officials said. (
Read five facts about Sanaullah)
Pakistan has said India must allow Sanaullah "on humanitarian grounds" to return home for treatment. "This obvious retaliation to the death of Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh is condemnable," said a statement from the Pakistan foreign ministry.
India has given Pakistan consular access and has also suggested a meeting of authorities from both countries to suggest measures to avoid "such tragic incidents in future." (
Read: India's full statement on attack on Pakistan prisoner Sanaullah)
The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered an inquiry into the assault on the Pakistani prisoner and the jail superintendent has been suspended.
The cases of Sarabjit Singh and Sanaullah Ranjay have provoked tension between India and Pakistan. After being attacked by the opposition and Sarabjit's family for being too soft on Pakistan, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh yesterday said, "The criminals responsible for the barbaric and murderous attack on Sarabjit Singh must be brought to justice."
Today, Pakistan responded with equally strong words, asking India to "investigate the matter thoroughly and punish the perpetrators of this atrocity."