Geeta, 23, has been in Pakistan since she crossed over accidentally in 2003
New Delhi/Karachi:
An Indian woman stuck in Pakistan for over a decade after accidentally crossing over when she was a child will be brought back soon, Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj has said.
Indian High Commissioner TCA Raghavan met the speech and hearing impaired woman - named "Geeta" by those who found her - in Karachi.
"We will bring Geeta back to India. This requires some formalities which we will complete," Ms Swaraj tweeted late last night after Mr Raghavan's visit.
"Our High Commissioner believes that Geeta is an India," she said.
Geeta, now 23, has stayed at the Edhi Foundation in Karachi for over a decade. She was 11 when she crossed over to Pakistan in 2003. Pakistani Rangers spotted her and took her to a charitable organization in Lahore.
Her story drew fresh attention after parallels were noticed with hit film "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" starring Salman Khan. It is about a little Pakistani girl who strays to India and Salman Khan's character Bajrangi Bhaijaan's mission to take her home.
The actor has offered all help for Geeta.
On Monday, Sushma Swaraj said she had asked the Indian envoy to pursue Geeta's case.
Mr Raghavan told reporters after meeting her that "despite ups and downs in ties, both countries are neighbours and have to take up humane responsibilities."
"We must not leave any stone unturned to make Geeta realise there are sympathisers in India too, who are making efforts to help her reach home," he said.
In a tweet, Pakistani activist and former minister Ansar Burney said "Geeta alias Guddy may be from Jharkhand or Telangana in India. Geeta remember no 193 and says she has seven brothers & four sisters."
Geeta is believed to be a vegetarian and has a shrine in her room at the Edhi Foundation where she prays to Indian gods and goddesses. She also fasts during Ramadan.
Indian High Commissioner TCA Raghavan met the speech and hearing impaired woman - named "Geeta" by those who found her - in Karachi.
"We will bring Geeta back to India. This requires some formalities which we will complete," Ms Swaraj tweeted late last night after Mr Raghavan's visit.
"Our High Commissioner believes that Geeta is an India," she said.
Geeta, now 23, has stayed at the Edhi Foundation in Karachi for over a decade. She was 11 when she crossed over to Pakistan in 2003. Pakistani Rangers spotted her and took her to a charitable organization in Lahore.
Her story drew fresh attention after parallels were noticed with hit film "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" starring Salman Khan. It is about a little Pakistani girl who strays to India and Salman Khan's character Bajrangi Bhaijaan's mission to take her home.
The actor has offered all help for Geeta.
On Monday, Sushma Swaraj said she had asked the Indian envoy to pursue Geeta's case.
Mr Raghavan told reporters after meeting her that "despite ups and downs in ties, both countries are neighbours and have to take up humane responsibilities."
"We must not leave any stone unturned to make Geeta realise there are sympathisers in India too, who are making efforts to help her reach home," he said.
In a tweet, Pakistani activist and former minister Ansar Burney said "Geeta alias Guddy may be from Jharkhand or Telangana in India. Geeta remember no 193 and says she has seven brothers & four sisters."
Geeta is believed to be a vegetarian and has a shrine in her room at the Edhi Foundation where she prays to Indian gods and goddesses. She also fasts during Ramadan.
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