Politics and conflict often result in separation; one such example of this happening was following the recent Kashmir attack which has escalated tensions between India and Pakistan. A mother and her son who both hail from Pakistan now find themselves separated because of it.
Nusrat Bibi of Muzaffarabad in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), aged 62 years old, and Aman Sharma, her 29-year-old son from her brief relationship with an Indian husband during their brief stay together in Jammu in the 1990s is separated due to increased tensions from an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Nusrat’s voice quivered as she explained her agony of having not seen her only son for over five years; all they speak about these days are phone calls that used to come through from him and “all I want is just one more chance at seeing him before I die!”
Tragedies such as this family tragedy illustrate the harsh reality faced by families divided across the Line of Control (LoC). While border politics rage on, thousands of human lives remain separated due to restricted mobility, restricted communication channels or weak diplomatic ties.
Aman, speaking anonymously via secure messaging app, confirmed his inability to travel to Muzaffarabad even during past peace windows due to tightened visa controls and bureaucratic hurdles. “I feel like a hostage of history,” Aman stated. “I did nothing wrong but am paying the price for conflicts I have no control over.
Human rights activists are calling for urgent humanitarian corridors and family reunion programs. “This case isn’t unique; the LoC has separated thousands of parents, siblings, and children for decades,” stated Kashmir-based activist Shireen Ahmad. She suggested there should be an immediate mechanism in place that allows cross-border families to reunite quickly during times of peace-building.
As India and Pakistan continue their exchange of accusations and military maneuvers, Nusrat and Aman serve as tragic reminders of how political decisions often have devastating human costs.