August 15, 2007	Wednesday	Sha’aban 1, 1428

LAHORE, Aug 14: About 70 Pakistani prisoners released by India reached Wagah on Tuesday. They were handed over to officials of the Pakistan Rangers (Punjab) at the Wagah border crossing.

A day earlier, Pakistan handed over 134 Indian prisoners, including two women and 100 fishermen, to the Indian Border Security Force at Waghah.

Pakistan and India had decided to release prisoners on the eve of 60 years of independence of both countries.

Out of 71 prisoners, about 48 were fishermen, who had mistakenly strayed across the maritime boundary into India.

According to an estimate, more than 3,000 prisoners from both sides have been released in four years.

AFP adds: High hats and high spirits prevailed on the Pakistan-India border as crowds gathered to greet the return of 70 prisoners.

Pakistani border guards hoisted the green and white crescent-and-star flag in a festive atmosphere as men, women and children clapped and sang patriotic songs to welcome the men home.

Haji Mohammed Akram, in his 50s, cried as he told AFP he had been held in Indian prisons for 18 years, three months and two days.

He said he was a tractor driver in the border town of Haveli Lakha and crossed the border inadvertently while looking for a spot in scrub where he could relieve himself in private.

“Indians arrested me and charged me with spying and I was tortured several times during my detention at various Indian jails,” Akram said.

“I will not be able to recognise my children, who will be adults by now.”