Srinagar: The Indian government’s recent deportation initiative, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has resulted in the forced removal of several individuals from Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). These deportations, carried out under the guise of identifying Pakistani nationals, have left families fractured and raised concerns about their humanitarian implications.

According to reports from Kashmir Media Service, among those affected is Riyaz Khan, a resident of Kupwara. Khan was deported to Pakistan, leaving his wife and three children behind. His case highlights the complexities of the deportation drive, as Khan maintains connections to India through his father’s service in the Indian Army and his own political involvement, having contested the District Development Council elections in Kupwara.

Khan’s journey is marked by an unintended crossing into Pakistan at the age of 12. He returned to Indian-administered territory in 2007, entering through the Wagah border. Despite living in Kashmir for 18 years, he now faces deportation. During his removal, he displayed his Aadhaar card, attempting to assert his Indian nationality from the confines of a police bus.

The deportation drive has sparked debate, with critics questioning the criteria used to determine nationality and the broader impact on affected families, particularly women married to Kashmiris. The situation underscores ongoing tensions in the region and raises questions about the humanitarian cost of such policies.