Kashmir: In a decisive move following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed all Indian states and Union Territories to rigorously track and deport Pakistani nationals who are residing illegally in India. The instructions come amidst rising tensions in the Kashmir Valley after the Pahalgam attack, which has once again drawn attention to security vulnerabilities and cross-border infiltration threats.
Pahalgam Attack Rekindles Security Concerns
The brutal attack in Pahalgam, which claimed multiple lives and left several injured, has reignited national security debates. Intelligence reports suggest that the assailants had external backing, potentially involving elements operating from across the border. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has responded swiftly, prioritizing internal security measures to prevent any further escalations.
In a high-level security review meeting convened immediately after the incident, Amit Shah emphasized the need for proactive measures. The Home Minister stressed that eliminating illegal stay by Pakistani nationals was not just a procedural requirement but an urgent security necessity. He categorically instructed all states and Union Territories to begin immediate verification drives to locate, document, and deport Pakistani citizens residing without valid documentation.
New Directives: Track, Document, and Deport
According to sources within the MHA, the new directives include:
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Comprehensive surveys at the district and municipal levels to identify Pakistani nationals.
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Strict action against those found overstaying visas or living without legal permits.
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Deportation protocols to be fast-tracked, minimizing legal loopholes and administrative delays.
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Heightened vigilance in border states, particularly Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.
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Strengthened verification processes for visa extensions and refugee statuses.
States have been asked to coordinate closely with local law enforcement agencies, immigration offices, and intelligence units to ensure that no illegal stay goes unnoticed.
Why the Focus on Pakistani Nationals?
The Home Ministry’s fresh push is driven by intelligence assessments that point toward dormant sleeper cells and possible support networks operating within India. Officials believe that unauthorized Pakistani residents could be exploited by hostile foreign agencies for espionage, financing terrorism, or aiding extremist operations.
Past incidents have shown that individuals overstaying illegally have occasionally been linked with nefarious activities, either voluntarily or under coercion. By clamping down on such residents, the government aims to tighten India’s internal security apparatus.
State Governments Begin Action
Several state governments have already swung into action. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Delhi have issued alerts to their police departments and ordered them to compile updated lists of Pakistani nationals residing in their jurisdictions. Special squads are being formed to verify documents, monitor suspicious activities, and initiate deportation where necessary.
Jammu and Kashmir, being a sensitive region, is expected to carry out an even more stringent check in coordination with paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies. Local police stations, municipal bodies, and neighborhood committees are being roped in to aid the verification drives.
Opposition Raises Concerns
While the government’s move has received broad support in national security circles, some opposition leaders have raised concerns regarding potential human rights issues. They have emphasized that while ensuring national security is paramount, due process must be followed to avoid any undue harassment of innocents.
However, government officials have assured that all actions will be conducted lawfully, respecting constitutional protections, and focusing solely on those whose presence in India is unauthorized.
Impact on Indo-Pak Relations
The Pahalgam attack and India’s subsequent internal security measures are likely to strain the already fragile diplomatic ties between India and Pakistan. With India repeatedly accusing Pakistan of harboring and exporting terrorism, New Delhi’s latest steps further signal a hardening stance against perceived cross-border threats.
International observers will be closely watching how India balances national security imperatives with diplomatic sensitivities in the coming weeks.
Conclusion: A Strong Message Post-Pahalgam Attack
The Home Ministry’s directive following the Pahalgam attack sends a strong and clear message: India will leave no room for security lapses or illegal activities that could endanger its citizens. By ordering the tracking and deportation of all Pakistani nationals staying illegally, Amit Shah has underlined the government’s zero-tolerance policy toward threats emanating from within or across borders.
As the verification drives intensify across states, the government remains focused on fortifying the country’s internal security framework. The coming weeks are crucial, not only for ensuring immediate safety but also for reaffirming India’s long-term strategy against terrorism and illegal infiltration.
For official statement visit: Press Information Bureau (PIB) of India.
