Today was an incredibly emotional and special day at the Attari border in Amritsar, as the grandchildren of Grandma Zainab couldn't contain their joy upon her return from Pakistan. The moment Zainab crossed the border into India, the innocent voices of the children rang out, "Dadi aa gayi, Dadi aa gayi!" ("Grandma is here, Grandma is here!")
It is sad what happened in the past few days in the country; people lost their loved ones, many are traumatized, and there is no sign of relief (and we for sure don't know when we'll receive justice). The government bans Pakistani nationals, giving an ultimatum of 48 hours amid the Pahalgam attack (brutal killing of 26 innocents).
This imposition may have been a relief to some, but it's a curse to others. Innocents are facing the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack. Many are stuck in Pakistan, and Pakistanis who came to India were perhaps settling down with their families and children.
Indians married to Pakistanis can no longer meet their families and friends.
Zainab had recently traveled to Pakistan to visit her relatives. The cross-border journey was emotional for her, but the most precious moment came when she finally reunited with her family.
Her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren had been eagerly waiting at the Attari border since morning. As soon as they saw her, their faces lit up with joy, and the children ran to hug her. The emotional reunion brought tears to the eyes of everyone present at the scene.
Zainab said that the feeling of returning to her homeland and holding her grandchildren close is something words can’t fully express.
Scenes like this at the border are a reminder that while national boundaries may exist, the bonds of the heart remain tied by love.