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Indian soldiers' release delayed

There was no sign today to confirm an early release of two Indian soldiers from Pakistan's illegal custody even three days after India accepted their repatriation through the International Commiteee of Red Cross.

The Indian government is adamant that the soldiers be released without any spectacle, an external affairs ministry spokesman said.

He said the dignity of the soldiers was not being maintained and accused Islamabad of making a public spectacle of them.

However, Pakistan insisted that the two soldiers -- Lance Naik Ram Singh and Sepoy Bajinder Singh -- be handed over to India under the full glare of the media. This was to show the world that the soldiers are safe and sound.

The Ministry of External Affair spokesman said India ensured the Pakistani PoWs were handed over to the ICRC with dignity. This was in accordance with military etiquette, tradition and custom and international norms.

He said the Indian government is in touch with the ICRC.

The soldiers had strayed inadvertently into Pakistan occupied Kashmir on August 30-31 night in Haneef sub-sector. Initially, the Indian authorities insisted that the soldiers be sent home through military channel. However, later the government agreed to their repatriation through the ICRC.

UNI

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