Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Forgotten Kargil Soldiers Repatriated After Nearly Five Years
Two Indian soldiers disappeared after the Kargil conflict.
They had accidentally crossed the border while carrying explosives.
Pakistani troops captured them on September 17, 1999.
In India, their unit mistakenly called them deserters.
This caused their families to lose benefits and face shame.
The soldiers were held in Pakistan for about four years and three months.
India later confirmed that they were prisoners, not deserters.
Pakistan returned them at Wagah on August 9, 2004, in an exchange.
The Army restored their benefits and welcomed them home.
Lance Naik Jagsir Singh and Sapper Mohammed Arif were captured by Pakistani forces on September 17, 1999.
The soldiers accidentally crossed the Line of Control while transporting explosives in the Mushkoh sector.
Their regiment initially classified them as deserters, ending their pay and benefits and distressing their families.
They spent roughly four years and three months in Pakistani custody, including detention near Rawalpindi.
Pakistan returned them at Wagah on August 9, 2004, after India restored their status as captured soldiers.
- Who
- Lance Naik Jagsir Singh and Sapper Mohammed Arif of the Army’s 108 Engineer Regiment were captured by Pakistani forces.
- What
- The two soldiers were detained after accidentally crossing the Line of Control and were later repatriated to India as prisoners of war.
- When
- They were captured on September 17, 1999, and repatriated on August 9, 2004.
- Where
- They crossed the Line of Control in the Mushkoh sector and were held primarily in or near Rawalpindi before being handed over at Wagah-Attari.
- Why
- They crossed the Line of Control inadvertently while moving explosives to clear a path near a post.
Initial Official Classification
Later Recognition As Prisoners Of War
How the soldiers were recorded
Initial Official Classification
Their regiment declared them deserters, struck their names from the rolls, stopped salaries and benefits, and filed police reports.
Later Recognition As Prisoners Of War
After Pakistan confirmed they were in custody, Army Chief General N C Vij ordered the deserter label removed and benefits restored.
Pakistan’s custody position
Initial Official Classification
Pakistan did not publicly announce their capture and later denied holding Indian prisoners, including at the 2001 Agra Summit.
Later Recognition As Prisoners Of War
During the 2003–04 peace process, Pakistan’s director-general of military operations indicated that the two soldiers were in custody, leading to consular access and their repatriation.
- Soldiers
- Lance Naik Jagsir Singh and Sapper Mohammed Arif
- Unit
- Army’s 108 Engineer Regiment
- Capture date
- September 17, 1999
- Repatriation date
- August 9, 2004
- Detention locations
- Adiala Central Jail and other facilities in or near Rawalpindi
- Exchange
- India released Pakistani soldier Sepoy Salim Ali Shah and three civilians; Pakistan returned Singh and Arif
- Status correction
- The Indian Army expunged the deserter classification and restored benefits with effect from June 2004