To the shock of Indian diplomats, Pakistani authorities forced the visiting family members of Jadhav to remove their shoes, bangles and mangal sutra. As if that was not enough, Pakistani authorities asked Jadhav’s wife to remove ‘bindi’ too from her forehead. Such attitude of Pakistani authorities speaks volumes of deep rooted hatred for India and its nationals.

 

Ministry of External Affairs expressed regret over the manner Pakistan conducted itself with the family members of Jadhav. 

 

“We note with regret that the Pakistani side conducted the meeting in a manner which violated the letter and spirit of our understandings. Under the pretext of security precautions, the cultural and religious sensibilities of family members were disregarded. This included removal of mangal sutra, bangles and bindi as well as a change in attire that was not warranted by security. Mother of Jadhav was prevented from talking in their mother tongue, although this was clearly the natural medium of communication. She was repeatedly interrupted while doing so and eventually prevented from proceeding further in this regard,” the MEA said in a statement.

 

But more harassment was in store.

 

Pakistani media described them as family members of Indian terrorist. “The Pakistani press was allowed on multiple occasions to approach family members closely, harass and hector them and hurl false and motivated accusations about Jadhav. This was despite a clear agreement that the media would not be allowed close access,” MEA said. 

 

All this indicates a trust gap between the two countries.