Pakistan frees Indian helicopter
Source: Agencies |
October 24, 2011, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
PAKISTAN released an Indian army helicopter just hours after it strayed across the tense border between the two countries yesterday, officials said, underscoring a desire by the old rivals to avoid a crisis as they try to improve ties.
The Pakistani military had forced the Indian helicopter to land and detained four Indian army officials after it strayed into its territory in northern Skardu near the border in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.
It was released after senior military officials from both sides spoke by hotline.
Pakistani military spokesman -Major-General Athar Abbas said: "The helicopter and four officers on board returned after a contact between the director-general military operations of the two countries."
The Indian defence ministry said the helicopter had returned to Kargil in Indian-ruled Kashmir. "The issue has been resolved," ministry spokesman Sitanshu Kar said.
Indian officials explained that the helicopter strayed into Pakistani territory because of bad weather.
The Himalayan region of Kashmir lies at the heart of tensions between the nuclear-armed south Asian rivals and has been a trigger in two of the three wars between them since their independence from British rule in 1947.
The latest incident took place near Kargil in Indian-held Kashmir where the two nations came dangerously close to their fourth war in 1999.
However, relations have improved after the two countries resumed a peace process this year.
The Pakistani military had forced the Indian helicopter to land and detained four Indian army officials after it strayed into its territory in northern Skardu near the border in the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmir.
It was released after senior military officials from both sides spoke by hotline.
Pakistani military spokesman -Major-General Athar Abbas said: "The helicopter and four officers on board returned after a contact between the director-general military operations of the two countries."
The Indian defence ministry said the helicopter had returned to Kargil in Indian-ruled Kashmir. "The issue has been resolved," ministry spokesman Sitanshu Kar said.
Indian officials explained that the helicopter strayed into Pakistani territory because of bad weather.
The Himalayan region of Kashmir lies at the heart of tensions between the nuclear-armed south Asian rivals and has been a trigger in two of the three wars between them since their independence from British rule in 1947.
The latest incident took place near Kargil in Indian-held Kashmir where the two nations came dangerously close to their fourth war in 1999.
However, relations have improved after the two countries resumed a peace process this year.
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