Closure of Wagah-Attari Border Leaves Families in Turmoil
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Synopsis
The closure of the Wagah-Attari border by Pakistan and India following a terrorist attack has left many families stranded and uncertain about their future reunions. Citizens from both nations are facing the challenge of returning home amid rising tensions, highlighting the impact of geopolitical issues on personal lives.
Key Takeaways
- Wagah-Attari border closure affects many families.
- 28 Pakistanis and 105 Indians returned home.
- Hindu and Sikh families faced difficulties crossing the border.
- Rising tensions between Pakistan and India impact human connections.
- Families remain uncertain about future reunions.
Islamabad, April 25 (NationPress) The recent decision by Pakistan and India to close the Wagah-Attari border crossing in response to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack has forced numerous individuals from both nations to hastily terminate their visits and return home.
On Thursday, following the announcement of the border closure and a deadline for citizens to leave, at least 28 Pakistani nationals returned from India, while 105 Indian citizens in Pakistan made their way back to India.
A Hindu family from Sibi in Balochistan was reportedly turned away from entering India due to the border closure.
“We were headed to Indore in Madhya Pradesh to celebrate a wedding. Seven members of our family were eager to reunite with our relatives in India for the festivities. However, upon reaching Wagah, we discovered the border had been sealed. We will spend the night at Dera Sahib in Lahore and return home tomorrow,” shared Akshay Kumar.
Meanwhile, a Sikh family from India, who had traveled to Pakistan for a wedding, chose to return to India immediately.
“We had come to Pakistan for a wedding. Although the ceremony was held, many crucial rituals were left undone. Upon hearing the border was closed, we decided to leave without delay,” mentioned Raminder Singh, an Indian national.
A Hindu family from Ghotki in Sindh, now living in New Delhi, had been visiting Pakistan for the past two months to see their relatives. Now, they face uncertainty regarding their return to India.
“There are five of us, including my young son and daughter, uncle, and aunt. We all possess Pakistani passports and were issued a No Obligation to Return to India (NORI) certificate by India. Nonetheless, we are now filled with uncertainty,” said a family member named Indira.
“Families with cross-border connections often suffer the most during escalating tensions between the two nations. As tensions between Pakistan and India climb once again, the vital human connections across borders are often the first casualties,” remarked Asif Memood, a journalist based in Lahore.
“The closure of the Wagah-Attari border has left many families in a state of limbo, uncertain about when they will next reunite with their loved ones,” he added.
