Maharashtra sets departure deadline for 55 Pakistani citizens within 48 hours
Mumbai Crackdown: The Indian state of Maharashtra gave 55 Pakistani residents a 48-hour ultimatum to vacate the region, as per a Friday announcement by the state government. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made it clear that the government will impose sanctions on any Pakistani national refusing to comply with the order. This move comes on the heels of the central government's decision to withdraw all visas issued to Pakistani nationals.
Intriguingly, these 55 Pakistani individuals reside in various areas across Maharashtra. The state home department has disclosed that 19 of these individuals are in Thane city, 18 in Nagpur, 12 in Jalgaon, three in Pune city, each in Navi Mumbai, Mumbai, and Raigad.
Dr Iqbal Singh Chahal, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Home department, shared insights on the situation with this paper. "Maharashtra is home to 55 Pakistani nationals who have short-term visas. The Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs had instructed them to depart India by April 27. I've instructed Unit commanders to ensure their exit," Chahal stated.
Interestingly, no such directives were issued for those Pakistan nationals with long-term visas, such as diplomats and officials.
Fadnavis, also the home department head, elaborated on the state government's actions, stating, "We've acquired the list of Pakistan nationals in Maharashtra. We've informed the Police stations that no one with a Pakistani visa can stay in Maharashtra for more than 48 hours. We're monitoring the process and sending them back. Legal action will be taken against those who overstay."
The Chief Minister also had a discussion with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. According to Fadnavis, he informed Shah that Maharashtra was taking necessary actions. He emphasized that there is no leniency for Pakistani athletes and actors.
While the search results don't provide a specific explanation for theexile of 55 Pakistani citizens, they hint towards a connection with the Pahalgam terror attack[1][2]. This could indicate that the decision might have been a part of a security response or diplomatic action following the incident. For a comprehensive understanding, more precise reasons, official statements, or additional information from the Indian government are required.
The escalating war-and-conflicts between India and Pakistan may have influenced the policy-and-legislation, as evidenced by Maharashtra's eviction of 55 Pakistani residents, following the Pahalgam terror attack. The crackdown on these individuals, including those with short-term visas, is a part of the politics of policing and justice, with the government actively imposing sanctions and monitoring their exit.
