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On the release of Pakistani prisoners to ICRC

August 27, 1999
New Delhi

India had announced on August 13, 1999 on the eve of the Independence Day of Pakistan that as a gesture of goodwill, we were ready to hand over the 8 Pakistani Prisoners of War captured in action on the Indian side of the Line of Control in the Kargil sector of the state of Jammu & Kashmir, during the operations in order to evict the recent intrusion and armed aggression by Pakistan. At that time, it had also been announced that the modalities were being worked out through the ICRC.

The 8 Pakistani Prisoners of War were released and handed over to the ICRC today, for repatriation to Pakistan. Prior to this, the Pakistani authorities had verified and confirmed the identities of 8 Prisoners of War as belonging to the regular armed forces of Pakistan. The ICRC has intimated that the 8 Pakistani POWs will be repatriated today itself.