India, Pak exchange prisoners

India today repatriated 38 Pakistani civilian prisoners, while Pakistan released 19 Indian detenues at the Wagah border checkpost.

All the Pakistani prisoners released have completed their sentences and their nationality has been verified by the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi. Similarly, the Indian High Commission in Islamabad has verified the identity of the Indian prisoners.

The release of prisoners follows the understanding reached between India and Pakistan during the recent Home Secretary-level talks.

Sixteen of the Pakistani prisoners released are from Punjab, 15

are from Jammu and Kashmir. Four are from Rajasthan, and one each from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi. Among the Indians repatriated, eight are from Punjab.

The repatriation exercise was supervised by Border Security Force Assistant Commandant A K Badria and Major Faiz Haider of the Pakistan Rangers. Amritsar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Gurwaryam Singh was also present.

The released Indian prisoners will be medically examined before being allowed to go home.

The India-Pakistan peace process