Two Pakistani boys repatriated to PoK by Indian army

The army Sunday handed over two Pakistani boys, who had crossed the Line of Control into India, to the Pakistan army as a goodwill gesture.

Rehmatullah, 15, and Inayatullah, 12, of Kotli area of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) had crossed over to this side of the LoC in Nowshera sector on Friday in "search of employment", said Col. R.K. Palta, Jammu-based spokesperson of the army.

The LoC divides Jammu and Kashmir between India and Pakistan.

"Indian soldiers in Poonch Sector handed over the two boys to the Pakistan army. The boys had crossed over to the Indian side of the LoC in Nowshera Sector in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir March 22. The handing over took place at the Chakan-da-Bagh Zero line at 1230 hours today (Sunday)," Palta said.

"During their stay with the Indian army, Rehmatullah and Inayatullah said they had left their country and crossed over to the Indian side in search of employment," he added.

"The Indian army acted on humanitarian considerations. A message was conveyed to the Pakistan army over the hotline Saturday, conveying the intent to hand over the two boys back to Pakistan. A battalion commander-level flag meeting was held at Chakan-da-Bagh in the afternoon Sunday and the boys were handed over to Pakistani army officials," Palta said.