Caught in the legal procedural wrangles between India and Pakistan, a middle-aged person having completed his imprisonment term, continues to languish at one of the police stations of Jammu.
Ironically, the ongoing Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) initiated by both the neighbouring countries to bring more friendly relations too have failed to bring solace in his life.
Surprisingly, police also have nothing adverse against him. "The concerned police does not want to detain him but certain legalities have become a pain in the neck for the victim and in his way to freedom," revealed well placed sources in police department.
Identified as Mohammad Hussain Khatana - resident of village Chang in Sialkot belt of Pakistan - crossed over the Line of Control (LoC) inadvertently from border area of Pargwal where he was apprehended by Border Security Force (BSF) in 2004.
Khatana was booked under section 14 Foreigners Act and 3/6 Indian Passport Act. After the trial period, Khatana was sentenced to undergo imprisonment and after completion of his sentence period, he was released on November 28, this year.
However, Khatana's problem did not end here as he was again picked and kept under preventive custody as he has no passport or visa documents to stay in Jammu while authorities concerned of the Government of Pakistan have yet to confirm his nationality.
{{/usCountry}}However, Khatana's problem did not end here as he was again picked and kept under preventive custody as he has no passport or visa documents to stay in Jammu while authorities concerned of the Government of Pakistan have yet to confirm his nationality.
{{/usCountry}}Further worrisome for police is that Khatana is suffering from fits and needs proper medical attention.
"We have apprised the concerned authorities of his medical problem and have requested that if the person is shifted to judicial lock up till the legal procedure for his deportation to Pakistan is completed," informed SSP Jammu, Mukesh Singh while speaking to Hindustan Times.
On a query, SSP Jammu cleared that "the person has not been detained or booked or is behind bars but as he has no passport/visa so he cannot be allowed to move as per the law. Whenever his orders of deportation area issued, he will be shifted to New Delhi for his return to Pakistan."
Email Zorawar Singh Jamwal: zorawarjamwal123@rediffmail.com