Bhubaneswar: The process to issue notices to 12 Pakistani nationals residing in Odisha to leave the country has been initiated, following a directive from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in the wake of Pahalgam terror attack.
Sources said that these 12 people have been staying in Odisha on Long Term Visas (LTVs). These persons have been residing in the state for extended periods, and would soon be formally asked to leave the country.
Stating that there are presently 12 Pakistani nationals in different districts of Odisha, Director General of Police (DGP) Y B Khurania told the media that these people have been served notice to leave India within 48 hours.
Notably, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been in touch with all chief ministers of the country, directing them to identify Pakistani nationals residing in their states and ensure their return to Pakistan at the earliest.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured full cooperation to the Centre in this regard and the state Home Department has initiated steps for the implementation of the order.
This move comes after the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which left at least 26 people dead and several others injured. In response, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) took several key decisions, including the suspension of all visa services to Pakistani nationals.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has clarified that the suspension of visa services would not impact LTVs already issued to Hindu Pakistani nationals. “These Long Term Visas remain valid,” the MEA said, even as all other valid Indian visas issued to Pakistani nationals were revoked with effect from April 27. However, medical visas will remain valid until April 29.
The MEA has also advised Pakistani nationals currently in India to leave before their revised visa expiry dates. Similarly, Indian citizens have been strongly advised to avoid traveling to Pakistan, and those already there are urged to return at the earliest opportunity.
The Odisha government is coordinating closely with the Centre to carry out the Home Ministry’s instructions, with necessary preparations now underway to serve exit notices to the 12 Pakistani nationals staying in the state.
India has clearly stated that it has proof Pakistan was involved in the planning and execution of the Pahalgam attack. India has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, or IWT, a major water-sharing deal governing usage of the Indus River and its five tributaries – the Beas, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej.
