Pahalgam terror attack: 12 Pakistani nationals in Odisha issued notices to leave

In the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, as many as 12 Pakistan nationals have been identified in Odisha. They have reportedly been issued notices by the administration to leave India by April 27.

Due to the development, several cross-border marriages across Odisha are caught in uncertainty. Moreover, Pakistani nationals who have integrated into Indian communities, particularly those holding long-term visas, have been asked to leave India immediately.

Legal Action To Be Initiated

One such case is Sarada Kukreja, who moved from the Sindh province of Pakistan to India nearly 40 years ago. Her journey began when she settled in Odisha at 18 years old on a short-term 60-day visa with her father. 

Over the years, she has made Odisha her home, marrying local resident Mahesh Kukreja, who is a Hindu from Bolangir. However, her attempts to secure Indian citizenship have not yet succeeded.

The police authorities have warned that if she fails to comply with the expulsion order and leave India immediately, legal action will be initiated against her as per Indian law.

"I will never go back to Pakistan as there is nobody there. I request PM Narendra Modiji with folded hands, kindly not to separate me from my family,” said Sarada.

'Emergency Situation'

Similarly, Pakistan national Nagma Yusuf has settled after marrying businessman Mohammad Nizamuddin in 2008. Her request for visa extension has not been completed, and she has been issued a notice to leave India.

"This is an emergency situation, and everybody should understand it. The government should move with the process, whatever they feel is right," said Nizamuddin.

"We have identified a Pakistani national in Bhubaneswar from an online website. As per the order, we have issued her notice to leave India by April 27," said Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena.

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Rezia Sultana has been settled in the Soro area in Balasore district after marrying a local resident when she was just 16. She has also been issued a notice by the government to leave India by tomorrow.

Diplomatic Rift

Authorities in Odisha have pinpointed 12 Pakistani nationals in the state affected by this development. They have been asked to leave India due to the diplomatic rift, with residents waiting for procedural verification or, potentially, repatriation.

Odisha government has assured that all individuals, whether in Cuttack or elsewhere in Odisha, will be subject to verification. 

"As per the guideline, we have issued notices to Pakistan nationals in Cuttack to leave India," said Cuttack DCP Rishikesh Khilari.

"The government has already started the repatriation process. I don't think that there will be any issues," said Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan.