Pakistani Hindu Refugees Visa: Currently residing in Delhi's Majnu Ka Tilla area, Hindu refugees from Pakistan are living in a state of fear and anxiety. The root of their concern is the Indian government’s recent announcement to void Pakistani citizens' visas starting April 27. Nonetheless, the government clarified that those Pakistani Hindu citizens on Long Term Visas (LTV) will remain unaffected. Yet, the feeling of insecurity prevails due to VTVs requiring renewals every two years, while many still await completion of the citizenship process.
Recently Arrived Families within a Month or Two
Sona Das, the leader of the Hindu refugee community in Majnu Ka Tilla, shared that many families have been living in Delhi for years, going through visa renewals biannually. Yet, several families have arrived just in the past month or two, now settling under the Signature Bridge or in temporary camps.
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Documents Requested from Refugees
Recently, the police approached the refugees for document verification, stating it’s purely routine and meant to trouble no one. Yet, fear looms among the refugees lest they are sent back to Pakistan, a place where they have neither home nor safe future awaiting.
'If Removed from Delhi, Where Will We Go?'
Living with his family, Krishna Lal mentions their ongoing wait for Indian citizenship approval after applying long ago. Similarly, tea vendor Kanaiya expressed concerns: 'If we are forced out of Delhi, we will be left without any recourse.'
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April 27 Deadline Looms
Last month saw the grant of citizenship to 186 Pakistani Hindus, although many continue to await their turn. The government has instructed states to ensure no illegal stay by any Pakistani national post-specified period. With the April 27 deadline approaching, refugee families oscillate between hope and fear of further displacement.
Officials assured that the decision to cancel visas does not impact the Long Term Visas issued to Hindu Pakistani citizens, maintaining their validity. Previously, India had suspended the SAARC visa exemption for Pakistani citizens, offering those currently residing in India 48 hours to depart. As the deadline of April 27 draws near, Pakistani Hindu refugees are enveloped in a tense atmosphere, clinging to hope that they won't face displacement again.
