The Hindu : National : Tearful family reunion for freed PoWs

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Aug 10, 2004

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National

Tearful family reunion for freed PoWs

By Sarabjit Pandher

HOME AT LAST: Two Indian soldiers captured by Pakistan five years ago during the Kargil conflict walk free across the border at Wagah on Monday. The Indian Army had initially declared Mohammed Arif (second from left) and Jagsir Singh (second from right) deserters. They were released in exchange for four Pakistani nationals. — PTI (

WAGAH BORDER (AMRITSAR), AUG. 9. Lance Naik Jagsir Singh and Sapper Mohammed Arif, who were held prisoners of war (PoW) for the last five years by Pakistan, since the Kargil war, today took the final steps to freedom across the international border. Meanwhile, relatives waited with moist eyes, impatient to hold them in their arms.

At the same time, the authorities repatriated a sepoy of the Pakistan Army, Salim Ali Shah, along with three other civilians. Expressing reservations about the apathy by the governments regarding the plight of their citizens languishing in prisons across the border, Mr. Shah claimed that he was arrested after he strayed into the Indian territory in the Khalra sector less than two years ago. The other Pakistani civilians were also arrested after they "accidentally" strayed from across the border.

Clad in grey Peshawari suits, both Jagsir and Arif, who are soldiers of the Engineers Regiment, were received by Maj. Gen. B.S. Nagal, GoC of the Panthers Division, on behalf of the Army and senior officers of the Border Security Force (BSF). They were garlanded and allowed briefly to meet their relatives, who had been waiting patiently for the moment since morning, as procedural formalities delayed the repatriation by about two hours.

Emotional scenes

As both walked across, Jagsir's younger brother, Jagmeet Singh, who was carrying his niece, Kuldeep on his shoulders stepped closer. Initial smiles transformed into loud sobs, as the brothers embraced each other. Immediately, his mother Chhotto Kaur, who had come all the way from their native Kot Bhai village of Muktsar district, hugged Jagsir. For young Kuldeep, who was born after Jagsir, went "missing," it was the first time she actually touched her father, whose photograph had been the only source of comfort so far.

Mohammed Arif was hugged by his son, his eyes streaming with tears. His little daughter clung on to her father. His brother, Abdul Hamid embraced him giving vent to his emotions, while the burqa -clad "bhabhi" Sanjida, wailed.

After the brief family union, both the repatriated PoWs were whisked away by the authorities for medical examination, which was completed in a few minutes. As they emerged, both Jagsir and Arif were clad in different clothes. Jagsir sported a fresh light pink turban, which is normally worn by bridegrooms. Both spent emotional moments with their children and other members of their families before the authorities drove them off for what was described as a detailed medical examination and questioning.

The Army spokesman, Brig. V.K. Chona, said that it would take a couple of days before both soldiers returned to their respective units, from where they could proceed on leave to be with their families.

`In touch with family'

While he avoided any direct answers related to both the soldiers being declared "deserters" after the Kargil war, Brig. Chona said that ever since the confirmation about their presence in Pakistani custody, the Army maintained regular contact with the families. He assured that all relief and financial assistance would be provided as per rules.

A large group of media persons braved the sweltering weather, since morning as major television channels had made elaborate arrangements to cover the event. Almost five years ago, the media was witness to the repatriation of Flt. Lt. Nachiketa, who was also captured in the Kargil war. Before that, the Wagha border was used in 1971 to return PoWs.

`Dream come true'

In a brief interaction, both Jagsir and Arif said that while they could not recall how they had strayed across, their release was a "dream come true" as initially they had lost all hope. They expressed satisfaction at the treatment meted out to them during the stay in various Pakistani jails, whose names they could not recall.

Meanwhile, Harjit Kaur of Rajatal village of Amritsar district, claimed to have taken over the task from her ailing mother, Kashmir Kaur, to look for any information she could get from the repatriates or the authorities about her father, Joginder Singh, who was "captured" by the Pakistan Army in the 1971 war, when he was posted as a constable of the BSF.

Brig. Chona, Jagsir and Arif, told reporters that they had no evidence to claim that there were more PoWs in Pakistani jails. Brig. Chona said that the development was part of the process towards establishing better relations between the two countries.

He said that the release was possible due to the coordinated efforts by the Ministries for External Affairs, Home and Defence.

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