MUZAFFARABAD: As a goodwill gesture, Pakistani authorities on Thursday repatriated a woman to Indian-held Kashmir, two years after she strayed into Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

Shakeela Bano, a resident of Achlanga in Tehsil Uri had crossed the unmarked line of control (LoC) from Bhedi in Haveli and two years later, was sent back via the Chakothi-Uri crossing point in Hattian Bala.

The 30-year-old was sent back with gift packs and sweets from the Pakistani authorities, and she was visibly nervous when she was surrounded by media persons shortly before her repatriation.

“I had a fight with my brother and I left home in a fit of range. I wandered into the jungle and ended up on this side of the line by mistake,” she said.

After she had wandered into AJK, Ms Bano lived for two years in Bagh with her uncle, who is also a refugee.

Shakeela was accompanied to the Kaman Bridge by Chinari SHO Raja Sohail Khan and Major Abdul Rasheed. Her mother, maternal uncle and brother had come to receive her on the other side and were accompanied by a numberdar and SHO Uri. Indian army official were also present on the occasion.

A male and female doctor from Indian-held Kashmir conducted a medical examination of her on the bridge in the presence of her relatives and officials from both sides. She was then allowed to leave with her relatives.

Locals living along the unmarked LoC in the disputed area often find themselves in trouble after mistakenly wandering off on the other side of the dividing line.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2016