India Tightens Visa Rules After Pahalgam Attack
India Takes Action After Terror Attack
Following a deadly terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists, the Indian government has taken a series of tough measures against Pakistan. One of the most significant actions is the suspension of visas for Pakistani nationals, except for long-term, diplomatic, and official visas.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has instructed states to identify all Pakistani nationals holding visas under 14 categories, including film, journalism, pilgrimage, and business. These individuals have been given deadlines to leave India, ranging from April 26th to April 29th, depending on the type of visa they hold.
This move comes after a video conference call with chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories, where Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan stressed the need for strict compliance with the new visa policy. He also informed them that the centre has revoked all existing visas issued to Pakistani nationals, except for those mentioned above, effective from April 27th.
Pakistanis Already Leaving India
States like Gujarat and Odisha have already started the process of ensuring the departure of Pakistani nationals. In Gujarat, a woman who was visiting Bharuch has already left, and six others are expected to follow suit in the coming days. Odisha has issued notices to 12 Pakistani citizens.
In Uttarakhand, three Pakistani nationals were staying on short-term visas, with two already leaving the country. The remaining individual has been informed they must depart by April 27th. In Pune, authorities have identified 111 Pakistani citizens, mostly Hindus on long-term visas. Others are on medical visas.
Meanwhile, in Goa, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has ordered three Pakistan nationals on short-term visas to leave by April 29th. There are also 17 others on long-term visas in the state.
Escalating Tensions
This visa suspension is part of a larger set of retaliatory actions India has taken against Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack. India has also suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, downgraded diplomatic relations, expelled diplomats, and closed the Attari-Wagah border.
The Indian government has accused Pakistan of supporting militancy and secessionist violence within its territory. All border forces have been directed to increase vigilance and enhance deployment along the 3,323 km land border shared between the two countries.
