Pakistani soldier arrested after crossing over to Poonch

Army troops on Thursday apprehended a Pakistani soldier who had crossed over to the Indian side along the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

A 19-year old Pakistani sepoy has been apprehended by the troops in Kerni Forward Area in Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir around 6 am on Thursday, army officials said.

Identified as Arif Ali, the Pakistanu soldier belongs to the 25 Frontier Force of the Pakistani Army and was posted at Saifullah post along the LoC in PoK.

Ali is son of one Bashir Ahmed and is a resident of Quetta in Pakistan.

"No weapons have been found in his possession," the officials said.

Stating that the army recovered Rs 13,000 in cash and two SIM cards from his possession, they said the soldier was being interrogated and is likely to be returned to Pakistan.

Ali reportedly crossed the LoC and came to the Indian side for a girl in Kerni village, which is located on the zero line opposite the Pakistani posts.

In October 2011, Pakistan had allowed an Indian helicopter that had strayed across there from Kargil to return to India within four hours.