Synopsis
The plight of Pakistani Hindu refugees in Delhi's camps intensifies as fresh visa checks are enforced. Many fear deportation back to their homeland, where they faced persecution. This story highlights their struggle for safety and hope amidst rising tensions.Key Takeaways
- Pakistani Hindu refugees in Delhi are living in fear of deportation.
- The Intelligence Bureau has reported the presence of around 5,000 Pakistanis in the capital.
- Document checks by the police have increased anxiety among refugee families.
- The Citizenship Amendment Act limits eligibility for citizenship to those who arrived before December 31, 2014.
- Many refugees express a strong desire to remain in India, citing safety concerns.
New Delhi, April 28 (NationPress) Following the Indian government's order for Pakistani nationals to vacate the country after the tragic Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in 26 fatalities, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) presented a report to the Delhi Police. This report uncovered the presence of approximately 5,000 Pakistanis in the capital, with a significant number being Pakistani Hindu refugees now engulfed in uncertainty and dread.
The IB report highlights two primary refugee camps — one located in Majnu Ka Tila and the other beneath the Signature Bridge along the Yamuna floodplains — where close to 1,500 families reside. These camps are currently under police scrutiny, particularly targeting individuals whose Long-Term Visas (LTV) have either expired or been revoked.
Many of these refugees escaped religious persecution in Pakistan post-2014 and are still awaiting Indian citizenship. Under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), only those who entered India before December 31, 2014, are eligible for citizenship, rendering more recent arrivals especially prone to deportation.
The Delhi Police have commenced document checks in the camps, including Aadhaar and PAN cards, inciting fear among residents.
"There is no pressure, but the police are visiting daily and requesting Aadhaar and PAN cards," stated one refugee. "This has been ongoing for three days now. We don't want to leave; we will stay here. We have children and families here. We are married and own nothing in Pakistan. If Hindus are being killed here, will we be safe there?" she questioned.
Another refugee expressed, "I came to India with my children and wife to escape violence and injustice in Pakistan. We legally crossed the border with passports and visas. Now, the police are verifying our documents, and despite showing everything, there is apprehension. What will happen to us if we return? We feel safer here."
A third refugee, who arrived in 2013, tearfully shared, "I lived in Karachi, Sindh, and came to India on March 11, 2013. The verification has lasted four to five days. I have since obtained Indian citizenship and support the government. I have forgotten Pakistan. I want to convey to the Indian government, Pakistan, the UN, and the world — they can do anything to us, but we will not go back."
While the government has yet to clarify whether Pakistani Hindu refugees are included in the list of nationals slated for repatriation, anxiety continues to escalate within these vulnerable communities, who assert they have found safety in India and adamantly refuse to return to a country they fled in desperation.
