PRIME MINISTER

New Delhi,
October18,1997

Dear Dr. Kathiria,
Please refer to your letter regarding the 54 missing Indian Defence personnel believed to be in custody in Pakistanijails.
We have repeatedly taken up this issue with Pakistan. The matter also come up during my discussions with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Male in May, 1997 and with Foreign Minister GoharAyub Khan in April, 1997 in New Delhi. Both of them had assured that Pakistan does not have any Indian Defence personnel in their custody. This was in keeping with the stand that Pakistan has traditionally taken on this issue. Further, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Foreign Minister GoharAyub Khan were willing to examine once again the evidence which we may have on this subject. We will be sending them all the evidence that we may have so that the matter can be pursued further. In case there is any evidence available with you, please send it to me.

With regards,

Yours sincerely,
I. K. Gujral
Dr. Vallabhbhai Kathiria, MP
167, South Avenue,
New Delhi.

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