'My Family Is In India...': Pakistan-Born Woman Living In Odisha, Asked To Leave Country After 30 Years

Bolangir, Odisha: Sarada Bai, a 55-year-old woman born in Sukkur, Sindh province of Pakistan, is among several Pakistani nationals who have been served exit notices following the Centre’s recent move to cancel visas issued to citizens of the neighbouring country.

Living in Odisha for more than 30 years after marrying an Indian citizen, Sarada now faces the threat of deportation. This comes after the devastating terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, that claimed the lives of 26 individuals, mostly tourists.

'India Is My Home'

According to Sarada’s Pakistani passport, she was born in 1970 and came to India in 1987 along with her father and five siblings on a 60-day visa. Since then, she built her life in India, married a businessman from Bolangir and raised two children together, both of whom are Indian citizens. She is now also a grandmother.

Speaking to reporters, Sarada made an emotional plea to the authorities, saying, "Ever since I came here, I have considered India my country. My family is in India and I don’t want to go to Pakistan. I have never even spoken to anyone in Pakistan, even over the phone."

Despite holding documents like a Voter ID and Aadhaar card, Sarada said she has been waiting for Indian citizenship for years without success.

Odisha Officials Issue Exit Notices to Pakistani Nationals

The notice issued by the Bolangir Superintendent of Police on Saturday, April 26, as quoted by The Indian Express, stated, "As per our available record, you neither have a valid LTV (long-term visa) nor come under the above exempted category of visas. Hence, you are directed to quit India at the earliest as deemed proper failing which legal action will be taken against you."

Officials confirmed that 12 Pakistani nationals across Odisha have been served similar notices. While some were living on expired long-term visas, others had no valid documents. "We have issued notices and asked them to leave the country as per the decision of the government of India. If they fail to do so, appropriate action will be taken against them," a senior police officer said.

In addition to Sarada in Bolangir, notices were also issued to Pakistani nationals in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Balasore districts.

news