Deaf-Mute Geeta Comes Back Home from Pakistan After 10 Years

Geeta, a young deaf-mute Indian girl who remained stranded in Pakistan for over a decade, arrived in New Delhi on Monday, October 26, 2015, reported authorities.

Geeta, who is now in her early 20s, was about 11 years of age when she inadvertently crossed the border into Pakistan in 2003. She was spotted by the Pakistan Rangers in Lahore, and was handed over to the Edhi Foundation, a social welfare organization that has looked after her since then. Bilquis Edhi, who runs the Foundation, named her Geeta.

Indian and Pakistani officials were present at the Indira Gandhi International Airport to receive Geeta. Pakistan High Commission revealed that Geeta came to Delhi by a Pakistan International Airlines flight 272, and was accompanied by members of the Edhi Foundation. She was taken to the Ministry of External Affairs directly from the Indira Gandhi International Airport after her flight landed at 10.30 am.

Two of Geeta's brothers, a sister-in-law, and Indian and Pakistani officials were present at the airport to receive her. The brothers were accompanied by their lawyer Mohammad Momin.

Media in-charge at the Pakistan High Commission Manzoor Ali Memon said, "The commission would hold a reception for Geeta in the evening. Salman Khan-starer Hindi film 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' had nothing to do with Geeta's homecoming as the process of bringing her back to India was launched much earlier in 2012. It's a message of love and affection between the two countries and has nothing to do with the movie."

External affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, "Geeta has already identified one family as possibly being that of her parents. We will be doing DNA testing to establish conclusive proof. If the DNA tests match, Geeta will be handed over to that family. If not, we have identified suitable institutions where she will be looked after."

Source: IANS