14/02/2026
*Missing Person Reunited With His Family After 22 Years Due to Intervention of DLSA Kupwara*
In a remarkable example of humanitarian commitment and inter-departmental coordination, a long-missing person was successfully reunited with his family from Madhya Pradesh after a gap of 22 years, owing to the timely intervention and persistent efforts of the District Legal Services Authority Kupwara (DLSA Kupwara).
The matter came to light upon receipt of information from Police Station Kupwara, reporting the presence of an unidentified person roaming in the streets of Kupwara, apparently suffering from mental illness and unable to communicate his identity. Taking serious note of the humanitarian concerns involved, the Secretary, DLSA Kupwara immediately intervened and initiated coordinated action to safeguard the life, dignity, and rights of the said individual.
As part of the first response, directions were issued to the Chief Medical Officer Kupwara to conduct a medical and psychiatric evaluation. Upon confirmation that the individual was mentally challenged, DLSA Kupwara ensured his referral and admission to the Government Psychiatric Hospital Rainawari for specialized treatment, care, and continuous medical supervision.
Throughout the treatment period, DLSA Kupwara remained actively involved by regularly monitoring the case, coordinating with medical authorities, and extending legal and administrative support to ensure that the patient received proper care in a safe and dignified environment. Due to sustained medication, professional medical attention, and compassionate care provided by the doctors and staff of the hospital, the individual gradually showed improvement and regained partial memory.
During the course of recovery, the individual identified himself as Surinder Kumar, resident of Bumaira, Tehsil Khilchipur, District Rajgarh, Madhya Pradesh. He further disclosed that he is a married person, has a son, and was working as a tailor by profession before he went missing more than two decades ago. Importantly, he himself identified his brother-in-law and other accompanying persons who later arrived to receive him.
Upon establishment of identity, DLSA Kupwara, with the assistance of the Police Department, coordinated with the police authorities of Madhya Pradesh, who successfully traced his family.
Consequently, his brother-in-law, along with other relatives and local residents, arrived at Srinagar.
They were accompanied by the Sarpanch of the village to facilitate the formal process.
To ensure a transparent and lawful handover, DLSA Kupwara deputed a team comprising Mr. Pinar Ahmad, Assistant LADC, Mr. Mohd Rafi Dar, Para Legal Volunteer, along with ASI Fayaz Ahmad of Police Station Kupwara, to the psychiatric hospital.
The missing person was formally handed over to his brother-in-law in the presence of the Sarpanch, hospital doctors and staff, and the accompanying police officer. A written undertaking was obtained from the relatives, assuring his proper care, safety, and rehabilitation.
This case stands as a strong reflection of the commitment of DLSA Kupwara towards protecting the rights of vulnerable persons, especially those suffering from mental illness, and its proactive role in ensuring access to justice, healthcare, and social reintegration. The successful reunion after 22 years underscores the importance of coordinated institutional efforts and the compassionate mandate of legal services authorities in serving humanity beyond conventional legal aid. Part 12
