- By Priyanka Koul
- Mon, 28 Apr 2025 06:52 PM (IST)
- Source:PTI
Pakistani wives of ex-terrorists rehabilitated in Kashmir have asserted that they would rather die than return to their home country.
These women, who came to Kashmir under the 2010 rehabilitation policy for former terrorists, have pleaded with the government to allow them to stay, or send them "in body bags."
Alyza Rafiq, married to an ex-terrorist, arrived in Kashmir in 2013 under the then-chief minister Omar Abdullah's policy, which enabled the rehabilitation of terroristswho had gone to Pakistan or Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir for arms training, but later abjured violence and wanted to return to the valley.
Currently residing in a north Kashmir district, Rafiq shared that the police have told her to leave the country.
"We have been asked to leave the country. I have three children. They told me to leave my youngest daughter here. She is little, how can I leave her here?" Rafiq told PTI.
"How can I leave my husband here? I have built a house here. We came here because of the government's policy… What have we done? What is our fault in this? We have an election card, Aadhar card. I have voted in elections," she added.
With tears in her eyes, Rafiq appealed to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to allow them to remain in Kashmir, which has been her home for the last 12 years.
"I appeal to the Governor sahib, please do not be cruel to us. We have not committed any sin. Please let us live here. If not, then kill us and send our bodies across the border," she said.
Zahida Begum, another Pakistani woman in a similar situation, expressed her desire to live in peace in Kashmir.
"Police have asked me to leave. I do not want to go back. I have two daughters, Maryam and Aamna. My son, Faizan, is 10, and they are telling me to keep him here. I do not want to go back, please forgive me. I want to live here," she said.
Begum showed her domicile certificate, Aadhar, election card, and ration card, all of which she claimed were issued by the government.
"It will ruin the lives of my children. I have been living here for 15 years, I have lived a good life, and I want to live in peace. Even my children do not want to go back," she added.