Srinagar: The Pakistani origin wives of many former militants, who returned to Kashmir under the then Omar Abdullah led state government’s rehabilitation policy in 2010 on Monday again urged authorities to either grant them citizenship or send them back so that they can live a normal life.
Addressing a news conference at Press Club Srinagar, the spouses of former militants said that there are around 400 Pakistan origin wives besides 3,000 children who are stuck here as authorities are not allowing them to visit their families.
“We have been watching the funerals of our loved ones on video calls and haven’t met our family members for years. We want the government of India to allow us to return home so that we can meet our dear ones,” they said. “Authorities must come clear. Either deport us or provide us with travel documents.”
“We came here after getting assurance from the government. Now, the same government is not accepting us and treat us like criminals. You should have deported us that very time when we came here, they said while requesting the government of India and Pakistan to take this issue on humanitarian ground.
They added that several among them have already lost their husbands or got divorced, “where they will go if you won’t allow us to return.”
“If our husbands are Indian, then why not their children and wives,” they said. “We have knocked almost all the doors but don’t know why our voices go unheard.”
They requested all organizations who are working for women and children besides the United Nations to help them in returning back to Pakistan.
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