54 Indian soldiers believed to be in Pakistani jails: Parrikar

At least 54 missing defence personnel of 1965 and 1971 wars are believed to be in custody in Pakistan, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar told parliament Friday.

However, Pakistan does not acknowledge the presence of any such personnel.

"Fifty four (54) missing defence personnel of 1965 and 1971 wars, including one from Border Security Force, are believed to be in custody in Pakistan," Parrikar said in a written reply to Lok Sabha.

"The government has repeatedly been taking up the matter with the Pakistan government. However, Pakistan does not acknowledge the presence of any such personnel in its custody," he said.

Parrikar said a delegation of 14 relatives of missing defence personnel also visited 10 jails in Pakistan during 1-14 June, 2007 but could "not conclusively confirm the physical presence of any missing defence personnel".

The minister added that Gujarat High Court passed an order, regarding payment of service and retirement benefits to the next of kin of the missing defence personnel believed to be in the custody in Pakistan, as if they retired on superannuation.

"The order of the Hon'ble Court has been accepted by the government and necessary action has been taken towards compliance of the judgment," he added.