Pakistani wives of ex-militants to Indian Govt: 'Accept us or send us back'

The Pakistani wives of ex-militants of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday staged a protest demanding Indian citizenship or travel documents, so that they can visit their parents back home. They further added that if the Indian government does not accept them, they be sent back to Pakistan.

Baramulla (J&K): The Pakistani wives of former militants from Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday held a protest from Kariyapa Park in Baramulla to Khanpura, demanding that they be provided with Indian citizenship or travel documents, so that they can visit their parents back home. The women added that if the Indian government does not accept them, they be sent back to Pakistan. Earlier, in February this year, the women had held a protest in Srinagar, demanding the same.

"Our protest has been going for a very long time, this isn't something new. We are from Pakistan and we need to go back to our country, to our homes and visit our parents. We just need travel documents and no other demands. We appeal to both the governments that either provide us with the travel documents or give us citizenship. Or if you can't accept us send us back to Pakistan. Also, the reason for taking out protests here in Baramulla is to make our intent clear that we cannot take this anymore and if the borders are opened, we will go," one of the protesters is heard saying.

The women were accompanied by their children during the protest, holding placards and banners. "We have been protesting again and again but the government is not paying attention to our problems. We have not committed any crime by getting married to a Kashmiri. Just as Kashmiris are citizens of India, so are we citizens of India. We got married in Kashmir. We have not committed any crime," they said, adding that they will continue to protest for their demands till our last breath.

It may be noted that in 2010, under the rehabilitation policy of militants under Omar Abdullah's government, around 450 Kashmiris crossed the borders, married Pakistani girls and returned to the valley. They are now demanding that the Indian government recognize them and give them Indian citizenship or send them back to Pakistan.