Pakistan returns BSF trooper to India

A BSF trooper who was swept away into Pakistani territory by the strong current in the Chenab river was Friday handed over to Indian officials at the international border in Jammu district, officials said.

Satyasheel Yadav of the 33 Battalion was handed over to the Border Security Force (BSF) company commander by the Pakistan Rangers during a 40-minute flag meeting at an octroi post on the Pakistan side of the border.

Yadav, who was part of a water patrol party of the BSF in Akhnoor area of the international border, was carried by the swift river current to Bajwaat village in Sialkot area of Pakistan after their motorboat developed a mechanical fault Wednesday.

BSF officers also had a flag meeting Thursday with their counterparts from the Pakistan Rangers to seek the release of the trooper, following which Pakistan had agreed to hand over the trooper Friday.

On Thursday, India raised diplomatically both in New Delhi and Islamabad the issue of the expeditious release of the BSF constable, who hails from Ferozabad in Uttar Pradesh.

Pakistan's deputy high commissioner in New Delhi was called to the ministry of external affairs in South Block where Joint Secretary Rudrendra Tandon conveyed the Indian request.

A similar request was also made by the Indian mission in Islamabad, the external affairs ministry said.