Pak returned Indian soldier due to mounting pressure by Centre: Defence Expert

Expressing happiness over the return of the Indian Sepoy who inadvertently crossed the Line of Control (LoC) and was captured by Pakistan, Defence Expert has surmised Islamabad could have taken the step due to steady pressure from New Delhi.

"There are two aspects of it. One, because India was mounting lots of pressure on Pakistan to return this soldier and secondly, because probably Pakistan thought there is no utility, no useful purpose keeping this man with them, as he may not have revealed as being a soldier as much of information to them," said defence expert Major General (retired) S.R. Shino.

However, another Defence Experts Colonel Sunil Deshpande asserted that the incident is a healthy sign as it would improve of the prolonged tension between both the countries.

"Pakistan has obliged and he (Indian Sepoy) has been let go, it is a very good thing. Pakistan is taking a step towards a good relationship. It is a healthy sign, Pakistan should also release Commander Kulbushan Yadav as early as possible," Colonel Deshpande told ANI.

The soldier, Chandu Babulal had inadvertently crossed the Line of Control on 30 September and was captured by Pakistani troops, a day after the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes on terror launchpads across the Line of Control (LoC).

Earlier today, the Pakistan Government said they have handed over Chandu, to Indian authorities today through the Wagah border, saying the decision was taken on "humanitarian" grounds.

"The decision of the government of Pakistan to return the Indian soldier is based on humanitarian grounds and the commitment to ensure peace and tranquility at the LoC and the Working Boundary," said a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan.

The statement further said that Pakistan believes in peaceful neighbourhood and rejects all actions aimed at undermining regional peace and security.

The soldier had inadvertently crossed the Line of Control on 30 September and was captured by Pakistani troops, a day after the Indian Army carried out surgical strikes on terror launchpads across the Line of Control (LoC).

The Indian Army has said that the soldier, who belongs to the Rashtriya Rifles, was not involved in the surgical strike.