'No response from Pakistan yet on releasing captured Indian soldier'

India has sought return of its soldier who inadvertently crossed the LoC and was captured by Pakistan, but has not got a positive response yet, said informed sources on Monday.

The soldier, Chandu Babulal Chouhan had inadvertently crossed the Line of Control on September 30 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).

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

Director General of Military Operations, Lt. Gen. Ranbir Singh has written to his Pakistan counterpart for returning the soldier.

The sources however said on Monday that while the message has been received, there is no response from the other side yet.

"They have received the message, but there is no response yet," a source said.

An official said straying across LoC happens at times as soldiers may get disoriented and lose their way.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had said on Sunday that the the mechanism through the DGMO has been activated seeking return of the soldier.

Chavan's grandmother had passed away after hearing the news of his crossing over to Pakistan.

Article 4 of the Third Geneva Convention protects captured military personnel, some guerrilla fighters, and certain civilians. It applies from the moment a prisoner is captured until he or she is released/repatriated. One of the main provisions of the convention makes it illegal to torture prisoners and states that a prisoner can only be required to give their name, date of birth, rank and service number if applicable.

--IANS

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