Finally, they will be home today

While Pakistan Army soldier Salim Ali Shah has been in Amritsar’s Central Jail for several years, the other three, all civilians, were being held in Jammu and Kashmir.

Confirming this, Amritsar SP (Jail) Capt S P Singh said: ‘‘Salim Ali Shah along with three others, who have come here from Jammu and Kashmir, will be handed over to the authorities around 8.30 am tomorrow. They have to undergo mandatory medical examination. The exchange of prisoners, slated for 11 am tomorrow, will in all likelihood be held in the presence of the Director Generals of Military Operations of the two countries.

In Jagsir’s home in Kot Bhai, the celebrations have already begun. Last evening, a Subedar arrived to invite the family to the border for Jagsir’s return. Finally, it was official and the village resonated to the beats of the dhol.

Jagsir’s family was preparing today to leave for Amritsar. ‘‘We will be a group of 10,’’ said Chhotto Kaur, Jagsir’s mother. In that group will be Jagsir’s daughter Kuldeep and sister Pammi.

‘‘The Subedar (from Jagsir’s 108 Engineers Regiment) told us that though Army authorities would like to debrief Jagsir as soon as possible, they will give us some time to meet him,’’ said Chhotto Kaur.

There were unpleasant scenes yesterday when Jagsir’s wife Jaswinder Kaur, who had been staying with her brothers after he went missing, decided to return home. She wasn’t allowed entry and the local police had to intervene.

Village elders have decided to hold an Akhand Path followed by a community lunch in Jagsir’s honour.

In Mundali near Meerut, a reception awaits Mohammed Arif as well. But his homecoming will be a lot different. He doesn’t know that his mother died while he was in Pakistan, that his young wife married again.

While the thought of breaking this news to him has been bothering his brother Abdul Hamid and sister-in-law Sanjida Begum, they are not letting anyone forget that he’s returning home with his honour intact.