Indian Army repatriated a Pakistani national who was detained along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district last week. The handover formalities were marked by a handshake between a Major-rank officer of the Indian Army and his Pakistani counterpart, as seen in photos posted by the Indian Army on X on Friday.
Repatriation Details
The Pakistani national, identified as Asad Khan, a resident of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), was apprehended in Simari village, Kupwara, on 12 June 2026 after crossing the LoC. He was repatriated to Pakistan on 18 June 2026, according to the Chinar Corps of the Indian Army.
Khan's handover took place at Aman Setu peace bridge over the Kishanganga river in Kupwara's Teetwal, approximately 158 km north of Srinagar, in the presence of senior officials from both sides.
Joint Operation and Humanitarian Treatment
Based on specific intelligence inputs, alert Chinar Warriors, in a joint operation with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, intercepted the individual and prevented any potential security breach, the Army's Chinar Corps posted on X.
During his six-day stay in India after being captured, Asad Khan was treated with dignity and compassion, reflecting the Indian Army's unwavering commitment to humanitarian values and conduct. The Army's post further stated that his safe repatriation underscores the Indian Army's ethos, responsibility, and adherence to the highest standards of military professionalism.
Background of the Detainee
Khan, whose three brothers work in Saudi Arabia, had traveled to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Neelum Valley in search of a job and reportedly lost his way, inadvertently crossing the LoC. The handshake between the officers is seen as a sign of easing tensions along the LoC, where the situation normally remains tense due to frequent infiltration from the Pakistani side.
The Indian Army's Chinar Corps emphasized that the repatriation was conducted smoothly, reflecting the military's professionalism and commitment to humanitarian principles.
