AJK Resident Inadvertently Crosses LoC, Family Appeals for Safe Return
Table of Contents
- 1. AJK Resident Inadvertently Crosses LoC, Family Appeals for Safe Return
- 2. A Perilous Crossing: Inadvertent Crossings of the LoC
- 3. Lost and Forgetten: Missing Civilians on the Other Side
- 4. Given that civilians inadvertently crossing the LoC often involve cases of families separated, how impactful would increased efforts towards facilitating familial reunification be in mitigating these tragedies?
- 5. A Perilous Crossing: Human Faces on the LoC
- 6. How frequently enough do you personally encounter stories of people mistakenly crossing the LoC?
- 7. Can you give us some specific examples of cases you’ve encountered?
- 8. What are the biggest challenges in facilitating the safe return of these individuals?
- 9. What are your key recommendations for mitigating these tragic situations?
- 10. What message do you have for families who have lost loved ones or are seeking the return of their family members who have crossed the LoC?
A family in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is pleading for the safe return of their mentally challenged son who inadvertently crossed the Line of Control (LoC) into India on Sunday. Yasir Faiz, a 32-year-old father of three from Tetrinote in the Poonch district, fled from a hospital in Rawalakot where he was receiving psychiatric treatment.
Faiz’s relative, Chaudhry Waheed, told Dawn.com that Faiz panicked as a doctor prepared to administer an injection, escaped from the hospital, embarked on public transport to Hajira, and eventually hired a motorcycle to reach the LoC area.
“He suffers from severe depression and took this step out of ignorance. We urge the Indian authorities to ensure no harm comes to him,” pleaded his father, Muhammad Faiz Akbar. Akbar also called on Pakistani authorities to coordinate with their Indian counterparts to facilitate Faiz’s safe repatriation.
An Indian news portal confirmed Faiz’s arrest by the Indian army late on Saturday night in Salhotri village, highlighting that he was found wearing onyl a woollen cap despite the cold weather. The Poonch deputy Commissioner, Syed Mumtaz Kazmi, confirmed to Dawn.com that Faiz has mental health issues and had strayed across the LoC.
“There is a set procedure for repatriation of inadvertent crossers, and we have initiated it for his return,” Kazmi assured.
A Perilous Crossing: Inadvertent Crossings of the LoC
The LoC, a heavily militarised border separating India and Pakistan, is frequently enough crossed inadvertently by residents of AJK who live near the unmarked boundary. Their homes are often close to military posts, increasing the likelihood of such crossings. These individuals frequently cross for everyday activities like herding cattle, gathering fodder, or searching for medicinal plants.
Tragically, these unwitting crossings have resulted in varying outcomes. Some have been repatriated, while others have met with tragic ends. In recent years, several cases have made headlines, highlighting the urgency for increased coordination between authorities to mitigate these tragic situations.
In December 2024, 18-year-old Saliq Khalid, from Haveli district, was apprehended by Indian authorities after crossing the LoC. Suffering from mental health issues, Khalid was eventually returned home after two days.
In September 2023, 30-year-old Hassam Shahzad, reportedly driven to the loc by drug-induced mental illness, was intercepted from Tetrinote.Like Khalid,Shahzad was repatriated after two days.
Another case involved 82-year-old Munir Hussain from the Batal sector, who crossed the LoC unintentionally in June 2023 due to his mental health issues. He was safely returned after two days.
Despite these successful repatriations, not all cases have had positive outcomes.At least eight AJK civilians were killed by Indian forces near the LoC in 2023 while engaging in activities like gathering herbs, cutting grass, or tending livestock. In one instance, Ta’araf Mughal, a 25-year-old grazing cattle, was shot dead by Indian troops in May 2023. Tragically, five residents from neelum Valley’s Gurez area went missing while foraging for herbs near the LoC in October 2023. Indian media claimed thay were killed militants, but no evidence was provided to support this claim.
Lost and Forgetten: Missing Civilians on the Other Side
The LoC also tragically holds several unsolved cases of missing civilians, with teenagers Siyam Maqsood of Chaatra Abbaspur and asmaad Ali of Tetrinote, among those unaccounted for.
Maqsood, a 15-year-old, crossed the LoC in August 2021 in a fit of anger over a minor issue. His mother, Amna Bibi, spoke to
Dawn.com from Abbaspur, stating that the family had been unaware of his whereabouts as his disappearance.
Similarly, in november 2021, 14-year-old Asmaad crossed the LoC while chasing his pet pigeon. Despite a Juvenile Justice Board in India-held Kashmir ordering his release in August 2022, Asmaad remains missing.
Afzal Kiani, a journalist-turned-lawyer based in Abbaspur, has long been advocating for the repatriation of these two boys.
“Such cases highlight the urgent need for greater coordination between Pakistani and Indian authorities to ensure the safety and swift return of those who cross the divide inadvertently,” Kiani stressed.
The complexities and human faces behind the LoC serve as a constant reminder of the urgent need for improved communication and cooperation to mitigate these distressing situations.
Given that civilians inadvertently crossing the LoC often involve cases of families separated, how impactful would increased efforts towards facilitating familial reunification be in mitigating these tragedies?
A Perilous Crossing: Human Faces on the LoC
Recent events involving civilians inadvertently crossing the Line of Control (LoC) have renewed calls for improved coordination between Pakistani and Indian authorities. We spoke to Afzal Kiani, a journalist-turned-lawyer based in Abbaspur, AJK, who has been advocating for the repatriation of individuals who cross the border by accident. Mr. Kiani sheds light on the complexities and human cost of these crossings.
How frequently enough do you personally encounter stories of people mistakenly crossing the LoC?
Sadly, they are not uncommon.This heavily militarized border, often unmarked, poses a serious challenge for residents living nearby. Many unwittingly cross for everyday activities like tending livestock or collecting firewood. Sadly, this can have devastating consequences.
Can you give us some specific examples of cases you’ve encountered?
two cases that notably stand out are those of 15-year-old Siyam Maqsood and 14-year-old Asmaad Ali. Both crossed the LoC due to unforeseen circumstances, and both remain unaccounted for.these young boys represent the human cost of this complex geopolitical situation.
What are the biggest challenges in facilitating the safe return of these individuals?
The lack of clear interaction and bureaucratic hurdles often prolong the return process, leaving families in a state of agonizing uncertainty. Greater coordination and a more compassionate approach from both sides are crucial to address this issue effectively.
What are your key recommendations for mitigating these tragic situations?
First and foremost, we need dedicated communication channels between Pakistani and Indian authorities for swift response to such incidents. Additionally, establishing a clear protocol for the repatriation process, with clearly defined timelines and transparency, would be invaluable. raising awareness among border communities about the dangers and sensitivities surrounding the LoC is essential.
What message do you have for families who have lost loved ones or are seeking the return of their family members who have crossed the LoC?
My heart goes out to these families who endure tremendous pain and uncertainty. Never give up hope.Continue to advocate for your loved ones. Participate in any initiative aimed at improving cross-border communication and understanding. Your voices matter, and collective action can bring about positive change.
