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NEW DELHI (India): India Monday decided to release and repatriate eight Pakistani civilians including four boys who had been languishing in Faridkot jail after straying into Indian territory over the years.

They would be repatriated tomorrow, External Affairs Ministry spokesman said today. The announcement was made amid three-day official-level talks, which commenced today between India and Pakistan in Islamabad to resolve all outstanding issues including Kashmir dispute.

Part of Peace Overtures

The spokesman said this decision is part of the peace initiatives India is progressively taking up. The four Pakistani detained in Faridkot juvenile jail were extended consular access on May 19 last year and were issued travel documents by Pakistan High Commission on January 12, this year to facilitate the return, he added.

The spokesman said there were eight boys in all and granted consular access on October-3 last year. Out of eight boys, one was repatriated on November-14 last year.

The boys to be released are Babar Ali, son of Ghulam Ali resident of Attari Aki, Amjad Khan, son of Yaqoob Khan in district Sheikhupura, Sagar Ali son of Din Mohammad and Sabar Ali, son of Mohammad Asrif both of Qasur, said a news report received from Faridkot.

They had been taken into custody by the Border Security Force for straying into Indian territory from different sectors of the borders over the years.