Has the number of Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals living in India surged under BJP rule?

Mumbai, April 28 (NationPress) - In the latest editorial of its publication 'Saamana', the Shiv Sena (UBT) directed criticism towards the central government regarding the increasing presence of Pakistani nationals in India, claiming that the population of Pakistani and Bangladeshi citizens has risen during the BJP's governance.

"Does the government have a response to this? The central administration did launch initiatives aimed at repatriating Pakistani individuals, yet most of these nationals are found where the BJP has held power for an extended period. It seems these matters have been overlooked. Furthermore, in areas where the BJP is not in control, campaigns are being initiated to target Muslim students, vendors, and small business owners by labeling them as Pakistani citizens. This has led to original Pakistani citizens and infiltrators being sidelined, with a distinct agenda being executed," the editorial stated.

“How did these infiltrators gain entry when security forces are stationed at the border? The Prime Minister refers to himself as the people's guardian; however, if Pakistani citizens, infiltrators, and terrorists are breaching the border and entering India, residing comfortably in various states, and vanishing after executing attacks like the one in Pahalgam, what actions are the government, the home department, and intelligence agencies taking?” questioned the Shiv Sena (UBT) in the editorial.

The editorial highlighted the claim that the influx of Pakistani and Bangladeshi citizens has escalated during the BJP's reign. "However, post the Pahalgam attack, the central government initiated efforts to deport Pakistani individuals. Following directives from Union Home Minister Amit Shah to Chief Ministers across the nation, states have begun to take action. As the deadline passed on Sunday evening, several Pakistani citizens were deported through the Attari border. Nevertheless, reports indicate that thousands of Pakistani nationals remain in the country after this deadline. While it is commendable that Pakistani citizens were deported, why wait for an incident like Pahalgam to take such measures?” raised the Uddhav Thackeray faction in the editorial.

“Fundamentally, why should thousands of Pakistanis be allowed to reside in India, and why does our nation permit their entry? Considering Pakistan an adversarial nation, why were so many Pakistani nationals allowed to enter various states, both legally and illegally? How many of these individuals possess valid visas and other necessary documentation, and how many have infiltrated illegally? This warrants thorough investigation. Among the multitude of Pakistanis living in India, the proportions of Hindus and Muslims from Sindh province also deserve careful examination," the editorial asserted.

The editorial further noted that 5,023 Pakistani citizens reside in 48 cities across Maharashtra, with over half, specifically 2,458, located in Nagpur, the city housing the state's Chief Minister and the headquarters of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Therefore, if 2,500 Pakistanis are living in Nagpur without police knowledge, it raises serious concerns regarding the security of Maharashtra and the nation.

"Over a thousand Pakistani nationals reside in Thane, the Deputy Chief Minister's city, with 33 reported missing. Pakistani citizens have established a presence in 48 cities across the state, many living here post visa expiration or without valid documentation. Does this not pose a threat to national security? If over 5,000 in Maharashtra, 30,000 in Rajasthan, 2,000 in Chhattisgarh, 228 in Madhya Pradesh, and 5,000 in Delhi—the nation's capital—are living freely, it signifies a severe breach of national security. How can thousands from an enemy nation like Pakistan infiltrate every corner of India? Why did the government only recognize these thousands of Pakistani citizens living in India after the Pahalgam incident? Does the government have a credible answer to this?” inquired the Shiv Sena (UBT) in the editorial.

“It remains unclear how many of these Pakistanis returned before the April 27 deadline and how many still reside in the country. In Maharashtra alone, there were reportedly 5,023 Pakistani nationals. Although many have been deported back to Pakistan, reports indicate that 107 Pakistani citizens residing in Maharashtra are unaccounted for. The state’s Minister of State for Home, Yogesh Kadam, has claimed extensive searches for these 107 individuals, yet they remain missing. This assertion contradicts statements made by the Chief Minister, who oversees the Home Department, claiming that no Pakistani nationals are missing. Despite the Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the Minister of State for Home asserting the presence of 107 missing Pakistanis, CM Fadnavis insists otherwise. If there is such discord within the government regarding this sensitive issue, how can it function effectively?” questioned the Shiv Sena (UBT) in the editorial.

“If the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and various ministers are providing such conflicting information, who can the public trust?” the editorial concluded.