In Humanity’s Name


In Humanity’s Name
Pakistani authorities hand over schoolboy Zulfiqar Ali to the Indian authorities at the LoC

Pakistan repatriates minor as a goodwill gesture

In a welcome move, the Pakistani authorities on May 1 repatriated a minor schoolboy hailing from the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Zulfikar Ali, said to be 14 or 15-years old, is a resident of Balakote, Mendhar, had inadvertently crossed over to Pakistan-administered Kashmir from Bhimber Gali Sector a few days earlier.

The boy had crossed over to the Pakistan-administered side of Kashmir three days earlier after his father Ghulam Hussain and mother reportedly thrashed him for stealing a neighbour’s mobile phone.

Upset at the beating, the class eight student had run away from home. He inadvertently crossed the line of control (LoC) and entered the Pakistan-administered side of Kashmir, where he was caught and questioned by Pakistan Rangers.

Meanwhile, the family contacted SDPO Mendhar, Shahid Nahim, who took up the matter with the SSP and DC Poonch. The Indian security personnel then contacted authorities on the Pakistani side of Kashmir.

As a goodwill gesture, the Pakistan authorities handed the boy over to the Indian authorities at the Chakkan-da-Bagh point at the LoC at 1.30 pm (IST) on May 1. His parents had also arrived there to take their son with them.

Indian fishermen repatriated from Pakistan on March 8, cross Wagah Border

Indian fishermen repatriated from Pakistan on March 8, cross Wagah Border

An Indian Army spokesman said that the boy’s repatriation was made possible as a result of confidence-building measures existing between the two countries.

There have been many instances in the past where such border-crossings were treated as criminal matters on either side, and the transgressors thrown in prison. However, over the last few years, both sides have taken a more humane approach, which is much needed.

Peace activists have urged authorities to take a similarly humane approach when it comes to inadvertent maritime border crossings by fishermen.

Pakistan on March 8 repatriated 86 fishermen as well as an individual from Jammu & Kashmir as a goodwill gesture. Most of the group had remained incarcerated for about two years in Pakistan.

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