Mehbooba Mufti cites 'serious humanitarian concerns' over India's decision to ban Pakistani nationals

Mehbooba Mufti has urged the Indian Government to reconsider its decision

Mehbooba Mufti has questioned the Indian government's decision to cancel visas of all Pakistani nationals following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people in the Kashmir valley on April 22.

Taking to microblogging site X, Mufti said, "The recent government directive to deport all Pakistani nationals from India has raised serious humanitarian concerns, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir. Many affected are women who came to India 30–40 years ago, married Indian citizens, raised families, and have long been part of our society."

"We urge the government to reconsider this decision, and adopt a compassionate approach regarding women, children and the elderly. Deporting individuals who have lived peacefully in India for decades would not only be inhumane but would inflict deep emotional and physical distress on families who now know no other home," she added.

India's decision to ban Pakistani nationals from staying in India came after several Hindu tourists were milled in Pahalgam on April 22, following which, Lashkar-e-Taiba was identified behind the attack.

AMong other measures taken by the Indian government is the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan. The government ordered Pakistani nationals to leave India and return to Pakistan within a dedicated deadline. Several security checks have been carried on since then to identify Pakistani nationals all over India and send them back.

This came in retaliation to the attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 people, including tourists, foreign nationals and locals. The attack happened after several armed terrorists gunned down the victims in front of their families in Pahalgam. Reports and eye witnesses have since then said that the victims were killed after terrorists allegedly confirmed their religious identities.