New Delhi
September 13, 1999

In response to a question regarding the release of two Indian soldiers, currently in the Pakistani custody, the Spokesman said:

Our view that the two Indian soldiers currently in Pakistani custody should be returned directly by Pakistan to the Indian Armed Forces is in keeping with time-honoured military custom and the bilateral arrangements which have guided the two countries in such cases so far. It is also in keeping with the international law applicable to such situations. Pakistan, however, continues to be intransigent and, is acting with its usual defiance of military custom, bilateral arrangements and international law.

The families of the two soldiers are waiting for their return and, in view of these humanitarian considerations, the Indian authorities have decided that ICRC will repatriate them to India.

Pakistan will be required to respect military custom, bilateral arrangements and international law in future.