A 34-year-old married Indian woman named Anju embarked on a legally sanctioned journey to a remote village in Pakistan to meet her Facebook friend, Nasrulla. Amidst swirling rumors of a love angle, Nasrulla clarified that their relationship is purely platonic, and Anju will return to India on August 20 when her visa expires.
Their unique friendship began in 2019 when they connected on Facebook, leading to an unexpected transnational bond. Anju, hailing from the Kailor village in Uttar Pradesh, and Nasrulla, a science graduate residing in Kulsho village in Pakistan, forged an unusual connection across borders.
Provided with ample security by the district administration, Anju currently resides with Nasrulla’s family in Upper Dir district. However, the news of her presence has stirred curiosity and concern among the conservative Pashtun villagers, who wish for her safe return to India to protect their community’s reputation.
Anju’s story bears resemblance to another cross-border relationship but differs in the manner of her entry. Unlike Seema Ghulam Haider, who sneaked into India illegally, Anju travelled through the proper channels via the Wagah-Attari border.
Back in Rajasthan, Anju’s husband Arvind awaits her return with hope and concern, with two young children anxiously awaiting their mother’s homecoming.