SRINAGAR: Political voices in Jammu and Kashmir have raised concern over the Ministry of Home Affairs’ recent directive ordering the deportation of Pakistani nationals residing in India beyond the official deadline. Many of those affected are women from Pakistan who arrived in the region under the 2010 rehabilitation policy and have since settled with local families.
Reacting to the move, MLA Kulgam M Y Traigami, in a post on X, said, “Deporting women from Pakistan & PoK, who came to J&K after government rolled out a rehabilitation policy in 2010, is inhumane. These women, married to local Kashmiri men, have built their lives here, raising families & living peacefully since their arrival.”
Deporting women from Pakistan & PoK,who came to J&K after government rolled out a rehabilitation policy in 2010, is inhumane.These women,married to local Kashmiri men,have built their lives here,raising families & living peacefully since their arrival. 1/3
— M Y Tarigami (@tarigami) April 29, 2025
Joining the concern, former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti also took to X, calling the government’s approach troubling.
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…
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) April 29, 2025
“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 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.”
