Mehbooba Mufti Advocates for Pakistani Women Amid Deportation Directive

Humanitarian Concerns Over Deportation of Pakistani Nationals

Srinagar: Mehbooba Mufti, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has called on the Indian government to show leniency towards Pakistani women who have been living in India for decades. She expressed her concerns regarding the recent directive to deport all Pakistani nationals.

Mufti highlighted that many of these women arrived in India 30 to 40 years ago, married local men, and have since built their lives and families here. She emphasized the humanitarian implications of such deportations, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, where these women have integrated into society.

She urged the government to adopt a more compassionate stance, especially towards vulnerable groups like women, children, and the elderly. Deporting individuals who have peacefully coexisted in India for many years would not only be cruel but would also cause significant emotional and physical distress to families who consider India their home.

It is important to note that several local youths who sought training in arms in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) returned under a rehabilitation policy established by the previous state government. Many of these men married Pakistani women during their time in PoK, and these women have since settled in Jammu and Kashmir, albeit without formal recognition.

These women have frequently advocated for Indian citizenship, as most hail from PoK, which is recognized by Parliament as an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir.

Despite their ongoing efforts, no official decisions have been made regarding their status, and they continue to raise families and participate in daily life like any other residents of the Union Territory.

The husbands of these women have renounced militancy and are now leading normal lives, engaging in various professions such as business, agriculture, and education.