Kutch News Today: A unique tale of young love unfolded in Kutch when two Pakistani teenagers crossed the border into India. The incident occurred near the Rann of Kutch, where the young couple traveled approximately 60 kilometers to reach the Sangwari Mata Temple area in Ratanpar. Locals alerted the Khadir police, and the couple was detained, while security agencies were informed. The village sarpanch was interviewed to learn more about the couple’s adventure.
Four-Day Journey Across the Rann
According to Head Constable Ajaysinh Jhala of Khadir Police Station, a 16-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl from the Tharparkar district of Pakistan ran away due to family opposition to their relationship. They left home four days prior at midnight carrying only two liters of water and some food.
On the first night, they rested on an island along their route and drank rainwater. By the next morning, they crossed the Rann’s water-filled expanse to continue their journey into India.
First Sighted by a Local Worker
The village head of Ratanpar village reported that the couple was first spotted a day earlier in the forest near the Sangwari Mata Temple. Locals didn’t catch them at the time. The next morning, a woodcutter saw the teenagers resting in a bush. At sunrise, he became suspicious and informed the head. By 9 a.m., the head and other villagers arrived at the scene and spoke to the couple.
Discovery Through Google Maps
When asked for their names and addresses, both initially struggled to respond in Sindhi. However, the girl later communicated in Hindi and revealed their village name as Lasri. A Google search showed the village located about 40 km from the border inside Pakistan. While the boy’s identity required further verification, the girl explained details of their journey in a mix of Kutch-Sindhi dialect.
Girl’s Emotional Confession
The girl revealed, “We are from the same caste and deeply in love, but our families did not approve of our marriage. I even attempted suicide by hanging, after which my grandfather advised us to flee to India.” On the night of their escape, they followed a friend’s advice to navigate under the moonlight. They walked and waded through the Rann’s water, camping along the way. By 4 AM, they reached the foothills, surviving on scant food and rainwater.
Crossing the Challenging Hill
The Sarpanch explained that the hill they crossed was 700–800 meters high and extremely rugged. Without any safety gear, they climbed from 8 AM to 5 PM, resting at the summit. The next afternoon, they continued descending, hiding in bushes when locals approached. Finally, they reached the temple area on the 8th and were discovered by villagers. The couple was then handed over to the police and later questioned by the BSF.
Ongoing Investigation
PI M.N. Dave of Khadir Police stated that the investigation is ongoing to understand how the teenagers crossed the zero point of the border. Both are minors, and medical tests are being conducted to confirm their age. After completion of formalities, they will be sent to Bhuj IC. Decisions regarding their release will be communicated based on investigation outcomes.
Previous Incidents of Cross-Border Love in Kutch
This is not the first case of young love crossing borders in Kutch.
- On 16th July 2020, a youth from Maharashtra attempting to meet his Pakistani girlfriend was stopped by the BSF near the Kutch border. The boy had chosen the Rann route after falling in love through social media.
- On 25th September 2024, a youth from Jammu and Kashmir, obsessed with his girlfriend in Pakistan’s Punjab, was caught crossing at Khavda. Police released him after finding nothing suspicious.
Community Reactions
The incident has sparked mixed reactions among locals. While some villagers empathize with the teens’ love story, others are concerned about border security and the risks of unauthorized crossings. Authorities have reiterated the importance of following legal procedures for cross-border movement.
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Conclusion: Kutch News Today
The recent case of young love crossing the India-Pakistan border highlights the challenges faced by teenagers in conservative families and the lengths to which they may go for love. As the investigation continues, this story remains a significant highlight in Kutch news today, capturing attention both for its romance and the complex border security issues it raises.
