Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday said India had activated a mechanism at the level of the Director-General of Military Operations to bring back a soldier believed to be in Pakistani captivity. Chandu Babulal Chavan of the 37 Rashtriya Rifles had “inadvertently crossed the Line of Control from the army post where he was on duty”, Indian authorities had said, according to PTI.
Parrikar clarified that Chavan did not take part in the Army’s strike along the Line of Control on Wednesday. “Such inadvertent crossing by Army and civilians are not unusual on either side,” the Army had said. “They are returned through existing mechanisms.” The remarks from both the defence minister and the Army came two days after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said India was making all attempts to free Chavan.
The soldier was captured only hours after the Indian Army announced that they had carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan to foil an infiltration bid. However, Islamabad has held that the no such incident had took place and that New Delhi was rebranding usual cross-border firing as surgical strikes.
Scroll has produced award-winning journalism despite violent threats, falling ad revenues and rising costs. Support our work. Become a member today.
In these volatile times, Scroll remains steadfastly courageous, nuanced and comprehensive. Become a Scroll Member and support our award-winning reportage, commentary and culture writing.