After the success story of the Indian government in re-uniting Geeta, the deaf-mute Indian woman after spending more than ten years trapped in Pakistan, a similar tale has emerged from across the border.
A Pakistani mother, who claims that her son has been stuck in India for many years is now pleading for him to be re-united with the family. Her son, Mohammad Ramazan had strayed into India without a passport. The trapped boy and his family in Pakistan first established contact in 2008.
The boy was found by a charity, Childline, in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh about two years ago. Ramazan’s tale strikes an emotional chord. His parents got a divorce in 2004, following which his father took him to Bangladesh in 2008. This transpired without his mother’s knowledge.
Facing abuse by his father, and step-mother, the boy ran away, which is when he strayed into neighbouring India. Finally, he ended up in Bhopal, after wandering through various towns.
Childline is in touch with the boy’s parents in Pakistan, and his identity has been established. The boy’s mother said that the Indian government has informed her that they are awaiting a formal request from the Pakistan government for re-uniting the boy with his family.
Ramazan told AFP:
“When I speak to my mother, we both cry,”
“I want to go back to my home as soon as possible… I want to be with my mother.”
“Just like Geeta came to India, I will be sent to Pakistan.”
(With inputs from AFP)