Jammu (NVI): In a humanitarian act amidst simmering tensions, India and Pakistan have repatriated two boys from each side, who had crossed LoC in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.
On December 31, Ali Haider, a 14-year-old boy from Mirpur district of Pakistan Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (POJK) had “inadvertently” crossed over to India in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.
“The boy seemed innocent and was immediately provided with clothing, food and shelter,” read an official Indian statement.
On January 3, a request was made to Pakistan authorities to repatriate Ali Haider on humanitarian grounds.
Pakistan Authorities were also reminded of India’s earlier request to repatriate an Indian boy named Mohammed Bashir who had inadvertently crossed over to Pakistan from the Poonch Sector on 24 December 2020.
According to officials, Pakistani authorities finally accepted the proposal on January 6.
Finally, with the support of J&K Police and civil administration, Ali Haider was repatriated to Pakistan via Poonch Rawalakot crossing point. Pakistan authorities also handed over Mohammed Bashir after 16 days of staying in Pakistan custody, they said.
-ARK
