To ease tension between the two neighbouring nations, Pakistan on Saturday said released Indian soldier Chandu Babulal Chavan, who had strayed across LoC last year.
Chavan was returned at 2.30 PM via Wagah Border in Punjab, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an official statement. He will be debriefed and a special medical check-up will be carried out.
As per ISPR statement, he deserted to that country following maltreatment of the commanders.
“He wilfully crossed LOC on Sept29, 2016 and surrendered himself to Pakistan Army,” the Pakistan Army’s media wing said.
It said that “as a gesture of goodwill and in continuation of our efforts to maintain peace and tranquility along LoC and International Border, Sepoy Chandu Babulal Chavan has been convinced to return to his own country and will be handed over to Indian authorities at Wahga Border on humanitarian grounds.”
Chavan, 22, was posted with 37 Rashtriya Rifles at Mendhar, Jammu and Kashmir and on Sept 29, just hours after the Indian Army’s surgical strikes had “inadvertently crossed LoC” to the Pakistan side.
His grandmother suffered a cardiac arrest and died after the family was informed that he was captured by the Pakistan Army.
India had been in regular touch with Pakistan for the release of Chavan.
