Pakistani nationals staying in the Indian city of Bikaner in Rajasthan State have been ordered to leave the area within 48 hours, Times of India (TOI) reported.
The district authority issued the order, reportedly, to avoid any untoward law and order situation owing to rising anti-Pakistan and anti-Kashmir sentiments in India in the backdrop of Pulwama attack.
Bikaner District Collector Kumar Pal Gautam issued the orders on Monday with immediate effect, which will remain applicable for a period of two months, or until they are cancelled, said the TOI in its report.
The authority in its orders mentioned that the stay of Pakistani nationals is prohibited in guest houses, hotels and hospitals, and that businessmen will not maintain direct or indirect ties with Pakistani nationals or provide them employment, the TOI reported.
The Foreign Office of Pakistan condemned India’s order for visiting Pakistani nationals to leave Rajasthan in 48 hours. “Indian peremptory order for visiting Pakistanis to leave Rajasthan in 48 hours and prohibiting hotels from accommodating them is a condemnable reflection of Indian jingoism and hate mongering spurred on by election histrionics,” FO spokesperson Dr Faisal said.
He said the move exposed ‘sham facade of Indian hospitality and tourism friendliness’. “We expect India to comply with inter-state norms, and ensure absolute safety and security of all Pakistanis there,” he added.
The already sour relations between India and Pakistan have worsened over the past week as New Delhi piled blame on Islamabad for the Pulwama attack. Pakistan’s leadership has strongly refuted the allegations.
Over 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were killed last week when an explosives-packed van rammed into a convoy transporting 2,500 security forces in Pulwama district of Indian-held Kashmir, in the deadliest attack in the occupied valley in 30 years.
Published in Daily Times, February 20th 2019.
