Over 300 people sent back across Attari border before closure, border closed

Amritsar: More than 300 individuals returned to their respective countries from both sides today, the last day before the Attari border was completely closed on May 1, following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

Among those sent back were several residents of Jammu and Kashmir, forcibly deported by the administration due to their Pakistani citizenship.

Many of these individuals, particularly women married in India but holding Pakistani nationality, were seen in tears as they were separated from their families.

One such case was of Sara Khan, who gave birth to a child just ten days ago. She was reportedly taken from her home during the night by police and deported to Pakistan via the Attari border today.

Sara, while speaking before her departure, said her family had crossed into Pakistan-administered Kashmir in 1965.

In 2017, she was married to Aurangzeb, a resident of Indian-administered Kashmir. She now leaves behind her husband, a six-year-old son with Pakistani citizenship, and a newborn child. Both Sara and Aurangzeb pleaded for her to be allowed to stay, but their requests were denied.

Another case involved an elderly woman with eight children, also holding Pakistani citizenship, who was deported today. She too pleaded with authorities not to be sent back.

According to reports, several individuals living in Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistani citizenship were brought to the border over the past two days and sent back. Pakistani embassy staff were also among those who returned to their country, with some having crossed back yesterday.