Pak repatriates Indian after seven months in captivity

An Indian national from Jammu and Kashmir who had inadvertently crossed over to Pakistan has been repatriated to India, seven months after he was captured by the Pakistani officials.

An Indian national from Jammu and Kashmir who had inadvertently crossed over to Pakistan has been repatriated to India, seven months after he was captured by the Pakistani officials.

ham Bihari had crossed over to Pakistan in August 2016 and was repatriated back to India on Wednesday. (HT Representative Image)

Sham Bihari had crossed over to Pakistan in August 2016 and was repatriated back to India on Wednesday.

Sham was handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) by afternoon, but was sent back because of lack of appropriate documents.

However, the Pakistani rangers again repatriated him with proper documents and gifts by late evening.

Earlier on March 2, as many as 39 Pakistani prisoners, comprising 21 civil prisoners and 18 fishermen were repatriated to Pakistan via Attari-Wagah border as a goodwill gesture by New Delhi.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s recent gestures, including the release of Indian soldier Babulal Chavan and more than 200 Indian fishermen, led to the “reciprocal action” by India.