The Hindu : National : Pakistani boy returns home

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Saturday, Nov 22, 2008
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Pakistani boy returns home

Staff Correspondent

CHANDIGARH: The 15-year-old Pakistani boy who crossed the border three months ago to meet Bollywood super star Shah Rukh Khan was released from the Faridkot Juvenile Detention Centre, 250 km from here, on Friday and repatriated to Pakistan at the Wagah check-post.

“My heart feels like it will burst with happiness. I don’t have words to express my joy,” said the boy, who crossed over into India on August 16.

He thanked the Indian Government for sending him back to his motherland and added that next time he would come to India with a proper visa.

The boy had been caught by the Border Security Force men after he crossed into India in the Ferozepur sector without a valid passport.

Pakistan had sent the boy’s travel documents after identifying his status to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs after reports about him appeared in the media.

Warm send-off

He was given a warm send-off from the juvenile centre by local officials, including Faridkot Deputy Commissioner V. K. Meena.

The boy, a Class X student, said he was keen to see his mother.

“I can’t wait to hug her, and she must have suffered the most. I will ask for forgiveness for running away,” he said with tears in his eyes.

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