Cross-border marriages: Fault is not in their stars but passports

The fault is not in their stars but passports. The strict visa regime between India and Pakistan has become a perennial villain for cross-border brides and grooms. Recently, a wedding party from across the border reached Jodhpur with only two people - the bridegroom and his father as other members of the family were denied the Indian visa. 

Pakistani doctor Hamir Singh will marry Jalore resident Vandana Kumari on February 18 in Jodhpur.  Madan Singh of Sinoi village in Pakistan’s Umarkot district had married his eldest daughter Kavita to Abhishek Singh of Jodhpur four years ago. The marriage of son, Dr. Hamir Singh, was fixed with Vandana Kumari, resident of Jalore. Kavita selected the girl for her brother. After this, Dr Hamir’s his mother and other relatives came to Jodhpur last year and the marriage was finalised in September. However, the marriage had to be postponed because of Dr Hamir’s uncle death. 

Later, it was decided that marriage of Dr Hamir and Vandana will be on February 18. Dr. Hamir,along with  his parents and younger brother applied for the visa. But the Government of India issued the visa to Dr Hamir and his father while other members were denied visa on the plea that they had stayed in India for too long during their last visit.

Dr Hamir , a resident of Umarkot, Pakistan, who reached Jodhpur on Sunday by Thar Express, said that he made great efforts for his mother and younger brother’s visa till departure but no assurance came from the Indian high commission. Officials gave the same answer that “you submit the application. If the Indian government still issues visas, then his mother and brother can come to India from plane and join his marriage ceremony.”  Dr. Hamir is feeling sad on such a happy occasion as his mother and brother will not be with him on this important moment of his life.

“My mother has planned many things but as I was leaving my mother instead of being happy was crying.. I cannot forget their tears,” Dr Hamir.

Dr Hamir’s sister Kavita said that she requested the Home Minister, along with all the ministers to get help for the visa of her mother and brother but to no avail. “Without my mother and brother, this marriage will remain incomplete,” she lamented.