Over 400 Pakistani Nationals in Rajasthan at Risk of Expulsion After Pahalgam Terror Incident
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Synopsis
In the aftermath of a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Rajasthan authorities are expediting the identification and repatriation of over 400 Pakistani nationals residing in the state, following directives from the Central government. The initiative aims to ensure a coordinated return process via the Attari border.
Key Takeaways
- Over 400 Pakistani nationals in Rajasthan face repatriation.
- Initiative follows a recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
- Exemptions for Hindu refugees fleeing persecution.
- Intensive verification process underway by local authorities.
- Clear directives from the Central government on expulsion protocols.
Jaipur, April 26 (NationPress) In the wake of a recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K) Pahalgam region that resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals and injuries to many others, authorities in Rajasthan have begun the process of identifying and repatriating Pakistani citizens currently living in the state.
This initiative follows explicit orders from the Central government.
Reports indicate that more than 400 Pakistani nationals are currently residing in Rajasthan.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed Chief Ministers nationwide to act swiftly on this matter, with a particular focus on Rajasthan to facilitate the return of all Pakistani individuals present within its territory via the Attari border, which is open for their departure.
In alignment with these directives, the Rajasthan Intelligence Department and local law enforcement are diligently identifying individuals who entered India from Pakistan on various types of visas.
They are currently reviewing records to determine who has already returned and who remains in the state.
The Intelligence Wing of the Police Headquarters has issued explicit instructions to all District Superintendents of Police (SPs) and Intelligence officers to assist in the return of all Pakistani citizens who entered India on tourist, religious, student, medical, or other temporary visas.
Sources suggest that several Pakistani nationals have already departed India due to heightened scrutiny from both the central and state governments.
Importantly, Hindu and other minority refugees who fled persecution in Pakistan will be excluded from this expulsion order.
Preliminary reports reveal that out of approximately 30 Pakistani citizens in Jaipur, 7 have already returned, while 23 individuals in Jodhpur have reached out to the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to arrange their return.
According to intelligence sources, the FRRO is actively contacting all Pakistani nationals in the state, advising them to return to Pakistan via the Attari border.
District SPs are being informed about the Pakistani citizens residing in their areas to verify their return status.
Officials indicated that the district-wise breakdown of Pakistani citizens (as per initial reports) confirmed that Jaipur had 30 individuals, with 7 having returned, Barmer housing 29, Ajmer 9, Kota 28, Sriganganagar 3, Jodhpur 23 who have contacted the FRRO to return, and Banswara with one.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has instructed the Home Department to rigorously enforce the central government's directives concerning Pakistani citizens.
He had previously assured Home Minister Amit Shah of complete compliance.
As a result, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Anand Kumar held a review meeting, issuing commands to cancel SAARC visas of Pakistani citizens starting Saturday and all other valid visas (excluding long-term visas for Hindu refugees, diplomatic, and official visas) from Sunday.
The immediate expulsion of Pakistani individuals with illegal visas has also been mandated. The state government has commenced rigorous actions in this respect.
Sanjay Agarwal, Director General of Intelligence in Rajasthan, confirmed that all FROs and District SPs have been directed to ensure the return of all Pakistani citizens living within their jurisdictions.
Director General of Police (DGP), U.R. Sahu stated that roughly 30,000 refugees are believed to be in Rajasthan. The police will carry out a verification process to differentiate between genuine refugees and others.
Subsequent actions will be guided by the directives received from the central government.
"Currently, the focus is on the repatriation of those who arrived on visas. A clearer picture regarding the total number of Pakistani citizens to be repatriated from Rajasthan will surface after data is compiled from all districts," he added.
