Coronavirus lockdown: Trip to meet ailing mother in Pakistan separates woman, kids across Indo-Pak border

Jodhpur: A woman had no idea that her visit to meet her mother will end up in separating her from her children. Janta, after 12 years, went to meet her ailing mother in Pakistan, from India in February. But she couldn't return to India with her husband and three children due to the coronavirus lockdown and government restrictions.

As India and Pakistan agreed to roll out special shuttle service for persons stuck on both nations, the five-member family decided to move from Pakistan to India. However, Janta wasn't given permission and her husband Leelaram and three children, being Indian citizens, were given permission to return.

The family members travelled to Pakistan with NORI (No Objection to Return to India) visa from Indian authorities for 60 days return permission. But when Leelaram and children had their visa extended while leaving for India, Janta's visa was not extended by the high commission and she was denied permission to board the train to India.

Leelaram, who came to India in 1986, obtained Indian citizenship and got married to Janta of Mirpur Khas in Pakistan 12 years ago.