The mystery surrounding missing Indian toddler Baby Ariha Shah has prompted the CPIM to fire off an urgent missive to Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, calling for top-priority diplomatic muscle. The child’s vanishing act in Pakistan has transfixed the nation, blending parental heartbreak with geopolitical intrigue.
Traveling with her parents from Jammu to Karachi for a family visit, little Ariha slipped away unnoticed on October 14 near Soldier Bazaar. Pakistani cops have scoured the neighborhood, deploying sniffer dogs and CCTV reviews, yet the trail runs cold. Her father Deepak and mother Fatima cling to hope amid despair.
‘Immediate and decisive intervention is non-negotiable,’ declared CPIM in their strongly worded demand. Party brass argue that routine consular support falls short; only high-level pressure from Jaishankar can unlock Pakistan’s full cooperation. They’ve urged deploying Indian investigators on the ground and real-time updates to the family.
Public fury simmers as viral videos of the parents’ pleas rack up millions of views. Hashtags like #SaveArihaShah trend relentlessly, pressuring authorities on both sides of the border. Analysts warn that foot-dragging by Pakistan could torpedo ongoing peace dialogues.
Back in India, the tragedy resonates deeply in Jammu and Kashmir, where communities rally with prayers and protests. Political rivals unite in condemnation, though some question why the family chose Pakistan amid frosty ties. CPIM’s move positions them as champions of citizen safety overseas.
Eyewitness accounts describe Ariha playing outside the residence before vanishing in broad daylight—a chilling reminder of urban child safety risks. Pakistani media speculates on abduction motives, from trafficking rings to cross-border conspiracies, fueling Indian suspicions.
With no breakthroughs, the clock ticks mercilessly. Jaishankar’s office hints at ongoing talks, but CPIM demands public accountability. This saga tests India’s resolve in safeguarding its most vulnerable abroad, potentially reshaping consular protocols for high-risk destinations.
