Her 15 year wait is finally over. Nearly 15 years after she accidentally crossed the border, 23 year old especially abled Geeta has reached Delhi.
According to sources in Pak High Commission, Geeta arrived at the IGI airport in Delhi on Monday morning by Pakistan International Airlines Flight 272 from Karachi, accompanied by five members of the Edhi Foundation who have been taking care of her all this while. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj greeted Geeta at the MEA office. She was earlier lodged at a hotel in Delhi under the care of Ministry of External Affairs after having being received at the IGI Airport.
Addressing a press briefing EAM Sushma Swaraj said that no matter if we find her (Geeta’s) parents or not, she is a daughter of India & we will take care of her.
She also said that Geeta is smiling since she has come here, it is quite evident that she is happy (answering Q&A on Geeta’s behalf)
Meanwhile, Geeta has refused to recognize Mahatos as her family.
She will be received at the airport by senior Pakistani diplomats and officials from the ministry of external affairs.
In the evening, Pakistan high commissioner Abdul Basit and his wife will host a reception for Geeta and those accompanying her.
Although as per reports it is quite certain that her family hailing from Bihar which has made the claim is her own, she will be handed over only after DNA tests. If the tests turn out negative she will be handed over to a care home either in Delhi or in Indore.
All her family members are currently waiting at the IGI airport, Delhi.
Meanwhile, Bajrangi Bhaijaan director, Kabir Khan has expressed his happiness over Geeta’s homecoming and said that he is happy to know that both countries took the issue seriously and she is finally back to India.
Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit has said that Pakistan is hopeful that India will soon release the 400+ Pakistani prisoners.
Congress Minister, Shashi Tharoor said, “We should thank the Pak Bajrangi Bhaijaan who looked after her, its a heartwarming story of humanity triumphing borders.”
#GeetaComesHome | Time to thank Bilqees Edhi for Geeta's safe return, tweets Shashi Tharoor pic.twitter.com/QKclMBTZlD
— CNN-IBN News (@ibnlive) October 26, 2015
Prime Minister Modi has meet Geeta in the Capital.