Press Conference Of Indian National Uzma, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj: Highlights

Uzma, the Indian woman who said that she was forced to marry a Pakistani man at gunpoint returned to India this morning. She is addressing a press conference with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj:

Here are the live updates of the press conference:

UZMA

• ​I never knew my life would have so much value. I am an orphan.
• For the first time, I felt as if my life too has a value.
• Sushma ma'am (External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj) said being an Indian means you should be proud. 
• I used to get calls from her daily. She said we are trying to do all we can to get you back.
• That encouraged me to think that Sushma ma'am, Centre is doing so much for me.
• Perhaps I would not have been alive if had I been there for a few more days. They would have had sold me, killed me.
• There are women from all countries. They are abused, harassed.
• There are many girls over there who are not able to get out.
• I have never heard such good things about me from any one as I have from Sushma ma'am. I cannot thank her enough for her help.
• Even before the hearing, she spoke to me. I was touched by how much she cared.
• It is easy to go to Pakistan, but difficult to go out. Pakistan maut ka kua hai. (Pakistan is a well of death).
• India is far better, there is freedom. I will always discourage people from going to Pakistan.
• Even men are not safe in Pakistan.
• I am proud to be India's daughter. I have seen so many countries, but there is no country like India.
• India is so much better off in so many respects. I'd also like to thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER SUSHMA SWARAJ:

• It is quite a big deal for us that when a woman is trapped in a foreign land, the Indian High Commission is a ray of hope.
• Upon reaching Indian High Commission, Uzma had said she would rather die than go back.
• I feel proud of an officer like JP Singh. There was no one to advise him. But he did all he could for her.
• He said the moment she said she is an Indian, all other questions became redundant.
• He has really lived up to one of our slogans: In a foreign land, the Indian embassy is your friend.
• Uzma had gone through a great deal of trauma.
• The first time I spoke to JP. I said even if we had to keep her for 1,2 or 3 years, we would keep her at the Indian High Commission.
• Today I want to thank the foreign ministry and the home ministry of Pakistan.
• If Uzma is with us today, they have a role too. I also want to thank the lawyer who fought the case for us.
• The Pakistani judge was told this case was a matter of 'Pakistan's prestige'. He asked how is it about India and Pakistan?
• When I saw Uzma kiss the Indian ground at Wagah border, that picture speaks a thousand words itself.
• That gesture alone won the hearts of all Indians.