Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has begun the process of issuing notices to 12 Pakistani nationals residing in the state, directing them to leave India. This action follows a directive from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, prompted by the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which killed 26 people and injured several others.
According to sources, these individuals have been living in Odisha on Long Term Visas (LTVs) for extended periods. The state’s Home Department is now taking steps to implement the Centre’s order, with formal exit notices expected to be served soon.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has coordinated with all state chief ministers, urging them to identify Pakistani nationals in their jurisdictions and facilitate their return to Pakistan. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has pledged full cooperation, and preparations are underway to comply with the directive.
The decision comes in the wake of the Pahalgam attack, after which the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) suspended all visa services for Pakistani nationals. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) clarified that LTVs issued to Hindu Pakistani nationals remain valid, but all other Indian visas for Pakistani nationals were revoked effective April 27, except for medical visas, which are valid until April 29.
The MEA has urged Pakistani nationals in India to depart before their revised visa expiry dates. Indian citizens have been advised to avoid travel to Pakistan and those currently there are requested to return immediately.
India has accused Pakistan of orchestrating the Pahalgam attack, citing evidence of its involvement. In a significant move, India has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, a key agreement governing the use of the Indus River and its tributaries—Beas, Chenab, Jhelum, Ravi, and Sutlej.
The Odisha government is working closely with the Centre to ensure the smooth execution of the Home Ministry’s instructions, with the deportation process now in motion.
