Perils of lockdown: Mom, kids separated across Indo-Pak border

JODHPUR: Janta had no idea that her first visit to ailing mother in Mirpur Khas in Pakistan 12 years after her marriage in India will separate her from her family.
Janta, with her three children and husband, left for Pakistan in February, but could not return in stipulated time due to the lockdown and suspension of train service between the two nations. Last week, when both the nations agreed to roll out special shuttle service for persons stuck on both sides of the border, the family prepared to move. Her husband Leelaram and three children, being Indian citizens, were given permission to return, but she was denied.
“We moved from pillar to post to get permission for her well in time, but she was not given permission by the High Commission of India in Islamabad. And I had to leave with my children for India leaving my wife behind,” said Leelaram. Leelaram, who came to India in 1986, obtained Indian citizenship and got married to Janta of Mirpur Khas 12 years ago. “We have applied for her citizenship as per rules here, but despite being eligible, she has not been given citizenship,” Leelaram said. On a Long-Term Visa (LTV) in India, she left to see her mother with her husband and children with NORI (No Objection to Return to India) visa from Indian authorities for 60 days return permission.
Interestingly, given the expiry of this stipulated period due to lockdown and absence of transportation service, Leelaram and children had their visa extended while leaving for India, but Janta’s visa was not extended by the High Commission in Islamabad, in the absence of which she was not allowed to board the train to India. “I have heard the matter and have urged Indian government to extend visa of Janta,” said president of Seemant Lok Sangthan Hindu Singh Sodha.