Seven Pak prisoners repatriated via Attari-Wagah check-post

Amritsar, August 22

In a goodwill gesture, seven Pakistan prisoners lodged in various jails were repatriated though the Attari-Wagah joint check-post today. They were handed over to Mohammad Fazzal, Superintendent, Pakistani Rangers, by the Anil Chauhan, Assistant Commandant, BSF.

Pakistani national Mohamad Haneef said he had entered India in an illegal manner by crossing the border 23 years ago. He was arrested under the Anti-India Terrorist Activities Act and was lodged in the Tihar jail.

Another prisoner Malik Akbar, who was released from the Hyderabad jail, said that in 2003, he came to India with valid documents but did not return to Pakistan after the visa was expired. “I deal in electronic goods and had come here for trade but was caught with invalid documents. I was put behind bars for 14 years but now I am happy to reunite with my family back home”, he added.

Mohammad Afzal said he too had crossed the Indo-Pak border in an illegal manner. He was caught with two kg of heroin in Delhi and was sentenced to 10-year imprisonment. He was lodged in the Tihar jail.

Similarly, Aijaz Ahmad said he had tried to cross the border to enter India in an illegal way when he was nabbed by BSF officials. He was lodged in the Kathua jail. — TNS