Pakistan hands back deserted Indian soldier

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has handed over to Indian authorities an Indian soldier who crossed into Pakistan in the disputed Kashmir region in September.

A foreign ministry statement Saturday said Chandu Babulal Chohan deserted his post and crossed the Line of Control to the Pakistani side because of severe grievances with superiors.

The statement said Pakistan convinced him to return to India and Chohan was handed over at the Wahga border point.

Pakistan and India fought two of their three wars over Kashmir, with each claiming the region in its entirety.