Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife's shoes had something 'metallic', says Pakistan
The shoes of Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife Chetankul seem to have triggered a diplomatic spat between India and Pakistan. After Jadhav met his wife and mother after 22 months, India accused Pakistan of inappropriate conduct, including removing Chetankul's shoes "for some inexplicable reason". Now the Pakistan Foreign Office has said they contained something "metallic". "There was something in the shoe. It is being investigated."
Jadhav's family met him after 22 months
Jadhav, a Mumbai native, was arrested by Pakistan in March'16 on charges of espionage and festering terrorism in Balochistan. New Delhi maintains he was kidnapped by Pakistan from Iran and that he has no links with the Indian government. After months of requests, Islamabad finally allowed him to meet his family. "We honor our commitments," tweeted Dr Mohammad Faisal, spokesperson of its Foreign Office.
The atmosphere was 'intimidating' for the family, India says
India had several complaints after the meeting, which it said "lacked any credibility". Press "harassed" the family, whose "cultural and religious sensibilities were disregarded". They were asked to remove mangalsutra etc and made to change clothes "that was not warranted by security". They were even prevented from speaking in their mother tongue. His wife's shoes were never returned. The atmosphere was "intimidating", it said.
'Don't wish to indulge in a meaningless battle of words'
Responding to India's allegations, Pakistan said: "We don't wish to indulge in a meaningless battle of words. Our openness and transparency belies these allegations." It added Jadhav's mother had "publicly thanked Pakistan for the humanitarian gesture". About the shoes, the Foreign Office said, "There was something in the shoe. It is being investigated. We gave her replacement shoes. All her jewellery etc were returned."
