80 year old Hawa Devi was a relieved woman when she finally boarded the Thar Express, an international train that runs between India and Pakistan, on January 8 at Jodhpur in India. For months, she had been longing to go back to her home in Pakistan's Sindh's province, to be able to see her ailing husband. Her 16 year old grandson passed away while she was stuck in India for nearly two years.
Hawa Devi came to India for a pilgrimage to Haridwar in March 2014 with her son and sister-in-law. But due to some proceadural reasons, they weren't allowed to go back.
While They remained stuck in India, their passports and visas also expired, making it even worse for the visitors. The Foreign Regional Registration Officer took up the matter, however the state home department did not clear them for departure.
After Hawa Devi's plight was highlighted by a newspaper, India's External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj took note of the story. The EAM tweeted to assure that the case would be accorded priority and dealt with urgently.
Mrs. Swaraj is learned to have personally spoken with a local community representative to know more about the case.
While boarding the train, Hawa Devi said she was happy and would be able to see her ailing husband back in Pakistan. "I am thankful to all, who made it possible. Had it been in time, I would have seen my grandson, who passed away a few months back."
Last year, a 23 year old deaf and mute woman-Geeta who had strayed into Pakistan many years ago, could return to India, thanks to efforts by activists from both countries.
