Manhunt after Punjab jailbreak

Jagtar Singh Hawara - tried to escape in 1998

Police in the Indian state of Punjab have launched a huge manhunt following a breakout from a high security jail.

Three of the escapees were facing trial for their alleged role in the assassination of the state's chief minister Beant Singh in 1995.

They include Jagtar Singh Hawara, who is accused of planning the killing.

Five people have been arrested accused of helping the prisoners escape, including a senior official of the high security Burail jail.

Police say they escaped through a 108 feet long underground tunnel running from the prisoners' cell to the outer perimeter wall of the prison complex.

Airports closed

They said it would have taken the inmates between four and six months to dig the tunnel.

Punjab police are on a red alert

Those arrested include D S Sandhu, the deputy superintendent of the high security jail.

Officials say several civilians have also been detained as part of a manhunt, and that all international airports in Punjab and in neighbouring states have been put on high alert.

In the mid 1990s Chief Minister Beant Singh was widely credited for his tough stance against separatist militants in Punjab.

Mr Hawara tried to escape from jail in 1998 by using explosives to blast his way out.

He is alleged to be a member of the Sikh separatist organisation Babbar Khalsa International, which has been designated as a terrorist organisation by Britain and America.

The BBC's Asit Jolly says that three of the escapees were being tried in prison because of security concerns.

Our correspondent says that senior ministers have refused to comment on the jailbreak.