Pakistan returns Indian soldier Chandu Chauhan in 'goodwill gesture'

Pakistan on Saturday said it was returning in a "goodwill gesture" Indian soldier Chandu Babulal Chauhan.

Representational image

New Delhi: Despite a complete halt to bilateral talks between New Delhi and Islamabad, the Pakistani Army on Saturday released Indian soldier Chandu Babulal Chauhan who inadvertently crossed the border last year. 

Chauhan who inadvertently crossed the Line of control on September 29, 2016 was handed over to the Indian authorities at 2:30 pm today.

Chandu had accidently crossed over to the other side of the Line of Control on September 29, 2016, a day after India's surgical strike on the neighbour's soil. He was soon taken into the custody by Pakistani army. 

With Chandu's release, this is the second positive development from Pakistan's side. Recently, on Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's birthday which falls on December 25, at least 220 Indian fishermen were released by the Pak army. 

Chandu was handed over to Indian authorities at Wagah border at 2:30 pm today.