Karnataka Minister: Pakistani Nationals to Be Deported, Action Against Illegal Residents

Synopsis

On April 25, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced that Pakistani nationals living in Karnataka will be deported, with actions to be taken against those residing illegally. Verification processes are underway, and security measures are being reinforced in Bengaluru to address national security concerns.

Key Takeaways

Pakistani nationals in Karnataka will be deported.
Verification of residency status is ongoing.
Action will be taken against illegal residents.
Coordination between state and Central intelligence agencies is crucial.
Special security measures are in place at sensitive institutions.

Bengaluru, April 25 (NationPress) Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara announced on Friday that Pakistani nationals living in Karnataka will be deported, and measures will be taken against those staying in the state illegally.

While addressing reporters, Parameshwara responded to inquiries about the deportation of Pakistani nationals, stating, “Verification is currently in progress to identify them. It is essential to determine who has entered officially and who has done so unlawfully. Officers are engaged in this verification process. Concerns regarding this matter were also raised earlier in the legislative session.”

He further explained, “Pakistani nationals residing here officially must be sent back, as per the decision made by the Central government. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) will oversee the process.”

In response to comments from the Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka regarding the presence of numerous illegal immigrants from Pakistan and Bangladesh in Bengaluru, Parameshwara stated, “Currently, we have no data on individuals staying illegally. Those here officially will be sent back - we have no concerns about that.”

“We will need to start efforts to identify those staying illegally. Authorities will take steps to track them down. At this moment, the decision pertains solely to Pakistani nationals,” he clarified in response to another query.

Addressing security issues in Bengaluru, a city previously affected by terror incidents, Parameshwara noted that intelligence agencies from the Central government are also present in the area. “They frequently share information with state police. In cases of sleeper cell activity, even if the state lacks information, Central agencies will likely be informed, as this is a matter of national security,” he stated.

“If our intelligence agencies receive any leads, they will be shared with Central bodies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB). This involves coordination between state and Central agencies,” he explained.

When queried about improving security at defense and other sensitive sites in Bengaluru, Parameshwara mentioned that special security measures are already implemented at organizations such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and others. “Both Central and state governments have deployed special forces to safeguard these institutions,” he added.

Regarding an incident where Pakistan flags were displayed on a road in Kalaburagi and later removed by police, he stated that he was not yet aware of the situation. “I will look into it,” he assured.

In response to questions about actions taken against a terror attack and concerns regarding security lapses, Parameshwara remarked, “I won’t comment on matters concerning the Central government. They have already commenced diplomatic actions related to national security. Stricter measures must be implemented to prevent such occurrences in the future. More robust actions are necessary to dismantle the terrorist organization operating in that region.”