BARMER WOMAN DIES IN PAK, MEA ASSURES HELP IN BRINGING BODY

: A 65-year-old woman from Rajasthan’s Barmer district died in Pakistan where she had gone to meet her elder sisters, following which External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj assured help to her family members in repatriation of mortal remains.

Swaraj in a tweet asked Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria to help the family members after which he replied: “We are getting in touch with the family in this sad case. Will facilitate the repatriation of remains.”

Reshma, a resident of Agasadi village in Barmer, had gone to Pakistan with her son Syab Khan on June 30. She was supposed to return on July 28, but fell on July 24 and died the next day. Local MLA Manvendra Singh spoke to the MEA. “Reshma’s family members in Pakistan have been contacted. Efforts are on to help them with the assistance of the MEA . However, chances of receiving the remains by the Thar Express are bleak as the visa of the family expired on July 26,” the MLA said.

He said Reshma’s relatives in Pakistan are trying to get the visa extended. The body would be brought to India next week if their visa is not extended this evening, Singh said.

Shivprasad Nakate, Barmer district collector, said, “We are trying to bring the body via road. I have urged the BSF to allow the family to enter India through the same route as Thar Express,” said Nakate. The Thar Express doesn’t halt at Barmer and passengers have to board or deboard the train from Jodhpur.

BARMER