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Press Release regarding 2 Indian soldiers in Pakistan's illegal custody

New Delhi
September 14, 1999

In response to a question, the spokesman said that, above all, we have to be guided by humanitarian considerations in the matter relating to the return of our soldiers in Pakistan's illegal custody. It is for this reason that we had decided that the ICRC will repatriate them to India.  This repatriation process had to be in keeping with the dignity of the soldiers and without a public spectacle. We had ensured that the Pakistani POWs were handed over to the ICRC with dignity.  This was in accordance with military etiquette, tradition and custom, and international norms. We are in contact with the ICRC and are waiting to hear from them.