The Minister of State for Defence, Subhash Bhamre on Tuesday said government is making efforts for a safe return of 22-year-old soldier Chandu Chavan, who is in Pakistan’s custody after he inadvertently crossed the Line of Control (LoC) in September this year.
“We are in contact with the neighbouring country [Pakistan] through DGMO and diplomatic channels... Pakistan has acknowledged that Chavan is in their custody. Today or tomorrow, they will have to return Chavan to us,” Mr. Bhamre, who is also a BJP Member of Parliament (MP) from Dhule in Maharashtra, told reporters on the sidelines of the Passing Out Parade of the 131st course of National Defence Academy (NDA) held here.
He said Mr. Chavan will be brought back as soon as the situation at Indo-Pak border becomes normal.
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On September 30, after the surgical strikes, Mr. Chavan of 37 Rashtriya Rifles had inadvertently crossed the LoC. He has been in Pakistan’s custody since then. — PTI
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