The Wakils are not alone in the search for missing relatives. As many as 14 others, including two Pakistan nationals, have given their blood samples for DNA testing. There were still 30 bodies left to be identified.

Mohd Javed from Gaya is here with three friends to look for 11 persons who have gone missing after the blasts. His elder brother, Mohd Shahbir had gone with his aunt to Karachi after the formation of Bangladesh in 1971.

Shahbir, an employee of Pepsi, last visited India 16 years ago. “He had come here for the first time after his marriage and birth of four children,” said Javed. Travelling along with Shahbir was his brother-in-law, his wife, two children and father. They also are feared dead.

There is no way we can identify them. “Paanch, cheh feet ka admi sirf ab teen feet ka reh gaya hai jal ke. I can give my DNA sample for identifying my brother, but someone has to come from Pakistan for identifying his family members,” adds Javed, his voice choked.

We have requested the Pakistani officials here to arrange for blood samples from Pakistan, as no one from their family can come here. After Javed wrote an application to the Panipat Deputy Commissioner explaining his case, the official assured that his request would be forwarded to the Ministry of External Affairs.

Now, Javed doesn’t know for how long he will have to stay back.