‘Pak Hindus, Sikhs will have to return’

New Delhi: Government today said it has received a number of representations from Hindus and Sikhs from Pakistan, who came to India on group pilgrimage, seeking extension of their visas but they will have to return to their country within the validity period of their existing permit.

“It has come to notice that a number of Pakistani nationals belonging to minority communities in Pakistan i.e. Hindus and Sikhs, who have come to India after obtaining pilgrimage group visa, have not returned within their visa validity period and have been seeking extension of their visas.

‘Pak Hindus, Sikhs will have to return’

“All such Pakistani nationals who have come to India on group pilgrimage visa will have to return to Pakistan within the visa validity period or the short extended period allowed in specific cases,” Minister of State for Home Affairs Mullappally Ramachandran told Lok Sabha in a written reply.

He said a number of representations have been received requesting for allowing extension of visas of such Pakistani nationals and also for permitting them to apply for Long Term Visa (LTV).

“As per the conditions stipulated while granting visa to Pakistani nationals coming in group to visit religious places, they have to travel within India as a group,” Ramachandran added.

‘Pak Hindus, Sikhs will have to return’
The minister was asked whether a considerable number of Hindus, who had come from Pakistan on pilgrimage, have not returned to their country.

Responses