The Kozhikode rural police have withdrawn notices issued to three Pakistani nationals asking them to leave India. The decision comes days after they were told to exit the country by 27 April. Police said the order was linked to a Central government directive following the Pahalgam terror attack.
The three individuals — Puthanpuravalappil Hamsa (79), Khamarunnisa, and her sister Asma — have been living in Kozhikode district for many years. Hamsa lives in Koyilandy, while the sisters are from Vykkilassery near Vatakara.
All three are originally from India but hold Pakistani citizenship.
Police initially acted under a national order to ask Pakistani citizens to leave. This was part of a wider move by the Indian government to suspend visa services to Pakistani nationals. The action followed the downgrading of diplomatic ties with Pakistan after the terror incident in Jammu and Kashmir.
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However, local police later reviewed the situation. They decided to cancel the exit orders as the individuals either hold long-term visas or have applied for Indian citizenship.
Officers from Koyilandy police station visited Hamsa’s home and took back the notice. Relatives of the two women confirmed their notices were also withdrawn.
The sisters are currently in Kochi to complete legal formalities for citizenship.
DYSP (Special Branch) VV Benny confirmed the withdrawal of the orders. He said police took into account the long-term stay and legal status of the three.
“I was born here. This is my soil,” said Hamsa, expressing his strong ties to the land he has called home for decades.
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