Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=6/22/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-291296

TITLE=INDIA / PAK (L-O)

BYLINE=AYAZ GUL

DATELINE=ISLAMABAD

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Pakistan is accusing India of torturing and murdering one of its

border security guards after capturing him in an a buffer zone between the two countries. India has denied the charge. A spokesman for the Pakistani military says the incident has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. Ayaz Gul reports from Islamabad.

TEXT: Pakistani spokesman Major-General Rashid Qureshi has called for an

inquiry into the incident, which took place on Wednesday. He says

Lance-Corporal Maqsood's body was returned to Pakistan on Thursday and he

was buried with full military honors. The spokesman said a body seen in a video provided by Pakistani officials was that of the security guard. It was clear it had been tortured.

/// QURESHI ACT ///

From the autopsy, it has been ascertained that he was brutally murdered.

/// END ACT ///

General Qureshi says the Pakistani soldier was trying to recover camels,

that had strayed into no-man's land along the frontline in Punjab province.

He says Indian troops had given him the go-ahead to recover the animals.

/// QURESHI ACT ///

Once he went up ahead and got hold of the camels, eight to nine Indian personnel grabbed him and took him towards their side, including the camels, to their side of the border and behind the fence. At this, there was an exchange of fire between Pakistani and the Indian troops.

/// END ACT ///

Indian military officials deny the Pakistani border guard was tortured.

Tensions between India and Pakistan are already running high over the

disputed region of Kashmir. Both countries have mobilized nearly one-million

soldiers along their border. General Qureshi urged the international community to force India to de-escalate the tensions.

/// QURESHI ACT ///

This could have escalated, It was I think the restraint that the Pakistani

side exercised, which frankly after this incident it becomes difficult to

control troops in their response.

/// END ACT ///

Indian officials say one of their own paramilitary officers was killed in an encounter while trying to stop an infiltrator on the border with Pakistan. (SIGNED)

NEB/AG/RH