Bangkok handshake effect: Pakistani military hands over J&K youth to Indian army after six months
The timing of the handover is also significant given the new found bonhomie after National Security Advisor (NSAs) of both countries met in Bangkok which was followed by the visit of external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to Pakistan to attend heart of Asia conference.
Bonhomie appeared to have replaced the hostilities on the sensitive Line of Control (LoC) after Pakistani military handed over a Jammu and Kashmir youth to the Indian army, six months after he had crossed into Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), in Poonch district of Jammu division.
Mohammad Rashid of village Degwar-Teruan in the Poonch district had crossed over to Pakistan Occupied Kashmir on June 12 and since then his whereabouts were not known. On Wednesday, Pakistan army handed him over to Indian army at Chakan- da-Bagh crossing on the LoC in the Poonch district.
"The individual has been handed over to police for further questioning. Rashid, who was a contractual driver, had crossed over for the reasons still under investigation by the police. His father Sattar Din had registered a First Information Report with the police", said Lieutenant Colonel Manish Mehta, defence spokesman at Jammu.
Usually any individual who inadvertently strays across the LoC is handed over to the respective armies within days after proper verification. But Rashid's case is a stark contrast since his father had lodged a report and he was in PoK for six months without any trace.The timing of the handover is also significant given the new found bonhomie after National Security Advisor (NSAs) of both countries met in Bangkok which was followed by the visit of external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj to Pakistan to attend heart of Asia conference.
Camaraderie between the two countries notwithstanding, Jammu and Kashmir police have arrested Rashid and he has been sent to joint interrogation centre to unravel the mystery behind his sudden disappearance.Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Poonch JS Johar said Rashid was booked under EIMCO (Egress & Ingress Movement Control Ordinance) after he had crossed the LoC into PoK some six months ago."They live near the fence (at LoC) and he had crossed over to the other side. You can go to PoK via Chakan da Bagh on permit. If you do not go with valid permit, you have to be booked under EIMCO. He was handed over yesterday and we have arrested him under that case", Johar told dna.Police said the investigation and interrogation of Rashid will help in unraveling the truth behind Rashid's disappearance. "Interrogation and investigation will go on. He has been arrested since he was wanted by us. We will share with you whatever comes after his interrogation", Johar said.