October 01, 2001
New Delhi

Thirty one Indian prisoners, under detention in Pakistan for illegally entering Pakistan, returned to India through the Wagah check-post today, 1st October 2001, at 1130 hrs IST (International Standard Times).

Government of India had approached the Government of Pakistan for the release of the 31 Indian youth in early April and was provided consular access by Government of Pakistan on 30th May 2001. The Pakistan Government finally agreed to release these Indian nationals on 26th July 2001. Government of India had since then been making consistent efforts for the early release and repatriation of these Indian prisoners.