Pakistani military authorities have committed to release Indian soldier Chandu Chavan, who inadvertently strayed across the border last year, Union Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said on Thursday.
They (Pakistan) have admitted that Chandu Chavan is alive, and that they will soon release him after an inquiry, which is nearing completion. We are trying at the level of the DGMO (Director General of Military Operations) to secure his release. So far, the DGMO has spoken to his Pakistani counterpart at least 15 to 20 times. The last time such talks took place was two days ago.They (Pakistan) said that the inquiry is getting over and Chandu Chavan will soon be released.Subhash Bhamre, Union Minister of State for Defence
On 30 September 2016, Chavan had inadvertently crossed over to the other side of the Line of Control, raising fears of what fate he might meet in Pakistan due to the ongoing rough patch between the countries.
Chavan’s grandmother had succumbed to a heart attack after the news of Chavan being held captive in Pakistan reached her.
(With inputs from PTI)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)