SRINAGAR: Romance bloomed across the LoC and drew Zeeshan Mir past the treacherous line, only for him to be caught until love finally saved the day.The 22-year-old from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was repatriated home Saturday, over a month after he was intercepted crossing the LoC in north Kashmir’s Uri, as authorities viewed his intrusion as the desperate attempt of a lover to meet his beloved rather than a case of a conventional infiltration.The resident of PoK’s Pankedi village was handed over to Pakistani defence forces at Uri’s Kaman Crossing after all legal formalities that followed a “three-minute meeting” with Iram Bano, his lady love who lives in Tilawari village near the LoC.The handover capped a heart-wrenching turn of events that began on May 31 when Mir was caught in Silikote area, followed by Iram’s short detention to verify his version. Soon after, a video went viral purportedly showing the couple identifying themselves while responding to questions from an unseen person, believed to be a security official.While Iram was let off soon and spared a case, Mir was booked under several laws, including the Foreigners Act. However, an Uri court later accepted J&K police’s final report saying Mir had crossed over for Iram and closed the case, resulting in his acquittal.Police officials confirmed it was a case of love, with the two families on two sides of the border related and the couple communicating with each other through social media. Mir’s family was originally from Uri but migrated to PoK decades ago, the officers added.Iram’s family had kept in touch with Mir during the time legal proceedings were on and he was kept at Uri police station. “We got clothes and shoes for him,” said Afroza Begam, Iram’s mother.Saturday’s meeting was fleeting, though. Afroza said they were allowed to see Mir only for three minutes before he was taken for repatriation. “He was calm and told us not to cry,” she said.According to Afroza, Mir was treated by the Indian Army “like a guest”. “We hope they (PoK authorities) treat him nicely,” Afroza said. She expressed hope that Mir and Iram can get married soon. “Hope Iram’s visa is approved,” Afroza added.The Army stressed that Mir was taken care of well. “During his stay in India, Mir was treated with dignity, compassion and due care, reflecting the Indian’s Army commitment to humanitarian values and professional conduct,” the Army said in a statement.
