NEW DELHI, FEB 28, (DNA) – India has decided to release 39 Pakistani prisoners, the Times of India reported on Tuesday.

These included 21 prisoners who have served out their sentence in India and 18 fishermen.

“We have identified these prisoners and with Pakistan confirming their nationality, they will be released on March 1,” an official source told.

The move comes a month after Pakistan Army handed over an Indian soldier, who had crossed the Pakistani side of the Line of Control in Kashmir region.

Sepoy Chandu Babulal Chohan, stationed in Indian occupied Kashmir, had deserted his post at LoC due to his grievances of maltreatment against his commanders. He willfully crossed the line of control on September 29, 2016 and surrendered himself to Pakistan Army.

As a goodwill gesture and in continuation of Pakistan’s efforts to maintain peace and tranquility along LoC and Working Boundary, the Indian soldier was convinced to return to his country.=DNA

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