Jammu: Three boys, who crossed the Line of Control (LoC) two days ago in Poonch, have been repatriated on Friday, official communiqué said.
According to the statement, Indian Army troops apprehended three children in Poonch, who crossed the Line of Control (LoC) from Pakistan administered Kashmir to the Indian side.
“Indian troops deployed along the Line of Control in Poonch sector through their well coordinated and effective surveillance network observed a suspicious movement on the Indian side of the Line of Control. The area was immediately cordoned and three individuals were apprehended,” the statement said.
It said that the apprehended individuals turned out to be young children between 9 to 17 years of age, adding that there was a fourth person who was the eldest amongst them and managed to run away from the Line of Control.
“Indian troops did not open fire on the individual attempting to cross back to Pakistan administered Jammu and Kashmir, since the troops noticed that they were children. On interaction, the children revealed that they belong to Chhatra and Troti Dharmshal across the Line of Control,” the statement added.
“They claim to be labourers excavating sand from river and nallah beds and they crossed the line of control for fishing. The children were treated very humanely and compassionately beholding the finest traditions of the Indian Army,” it said, adding that on 20 Aug 2021, the children were safely repatriated to Pakistan administered Jammu and Kashmir.
“This reminds us of the time when Indian Army repatriated three girls in Dec 2020, proving that Indian Army is not only ever alert for our safety, but treats innocent with compassion and care,” it said.
