The story of 75-year-old Satya Devi of Datar city of Jalandhar is an example for ordinary women. Her husband Mangal Singh went missing in the 1971 war and was subsequently arrested by the Pakistani Army. At that time, mangal was just 27 years old. Satya had two sons in her lap. Since then, Satya has spent many decades in waiting for her husband, but a letter received by the foreign minister has revived her hope.
Actually, Satya’s husband Mangal Singh was recruited around 1962 and in the Indian Army. In 1971, Lance Naik Mangal Singh was transferred from Ranchi to Kolkata and his duty took place on the Bangladesh front. A few days later a telegram came from the army that a boat carrying soldiers in Bangladesh sank and all the soldiers including Mangal Singh were killed.
Since then, Sathya was looking forward to her husband’s return. He insisted for release but could not get any help. Satya Devi did not give up hope of waiting for her husband with raising children. After several years of sending several letters to the Government of India, his efforts paid off. Now after 49 years, by sending a letter from the President and Foreign Ministry Office last week, Satya has been informed about her husband’s being alive.
The Foreign Ministry has been told that Mangal Singh is lodged in Kot Lakhpat Jail in Pakistan. Efforts will be made to speed up their release by talking to the Government of Pakistan. Satya and his two sons have been looking forward to seeing mangal for the last 49 years, now they hope that he will return soon and he has also appealed to the government for this.
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