National: In a significant development following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has issued a firm directive to all state chief ministers. The Home Minister personally contacted each state leader, mandating the strict enforcement of the deadline for Pakistani nationals to depart India. This urgent communication underscores the government’s resolve to address the escalating tensions between the two nations.
The directive comes on the heels of India’s announcement on April 24th, which declared the revocation of all visas granted to Pakistani citizens, effective from April 27th. Simultaneously, Indian nationals residing in Pakistan have been strongly advised to return home without delay. These decisive actions were triggered by the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday, which resulted in the tragic loss of 26 lives, predominantly tourists.
Sources within the government have revealed that during his calls, the Home Minister instructed the chief ministers to proactively identify any Pakistani nationals currently residing within their respective states. The paramount objective is to ensure the swift and complete deportation of these individuals before the stipulated deadline.
It is important to note that this visa revocation does not extend to Hindu Pakistani nationals who have been granted long-term visas, which will remain valid. This distinction highlights India’s continued commitment to providing refuge for specific minority communities.
Earlier, India had already suspended visa services for Pakistani nationals with immediate effect, citing the undeniable cross-border links to the devastating Pahalgam attack. This incident marks the most severe terror strike targeting civilians in India since the horrific 26/11 Mumbai attacks, prompting a robust and multifaceted response from the Indian government.
Further amplifying the government’s stance, an announcement made on Wednesday declared that Pakistani citizens would no longer be permitted entry into India under the SAARC visa exemption scheme (SVES). Any Pakistani national currently in India under the SVES visa has been given a strict 48-hour ultimatum to leave the country, with the deadline culminating today, Friday.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his first public address after the Pahalgam tragedy, delivered a powerful message from Madhubani in Bihar on Thursday. He unequivocally asserted India’s unwavering determination to “identify, track, and punish” every terrorist involved in the Pahalgam carnage, along with their “backers.” Modi vowed to pursue these perpetrators to the “ends of the earth,” signaling a relentless pursuit of justice. He emphasized that terrorism would not go “unpunished” and that India’s spirit would remain unbroken in the face of such violence.
A crucial all-party meeting was convened on Thursday, where leaders from across the political spectrum united in their condemnation of terrorism. They called for decisive action against terrorist elements and their support infrastructure, assuring the government of their complete and unwavering support in this critical juncture.
In a parallel and significant move, India has also formally informed Pakistan of its immediate decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 in abeyance. Water Resources Secretary Debashree Mukherjee, in a communication to her Pakistani counterpart Syed Ali Murtaza, stated that Pakistan’s sustained cross-border terrorism targeting Jammu and Kashmir directly impedes India’s rights under the treaty. This simultaneous diplomatic and administrative offensive underscores the gravity of the situation and India’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism.
Read More: Assam: AAHVSA Dhubri Spearheads Zoonotic Disease Awareness at School Event