Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, April 25: Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara on Friday stated that Pakistani nationals residing in the state will be deported, and that appropriate action will be taken against those staying illegally. The announcement comes amid growing concern over unauthorised foreign nationals residing in the state, particularly in Bengaluru.
Speaking to reporters, Parameshwara addressed queries on the issue of deporting Pakistani nationals, saying, “Verification is underway to identify them. We need to check who has come officially and who has entered unofficially. Officers are conducting the verification. Questions regarding this issue had also been raised earlier in the legislative session.”
He further stated, “Pakistani nationals who are residing here officially will have to be sent back, as the Central government has already taken that decision. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) will carry out the process.”
In response to remarks made by Leader of Opposition R Ashoka, who claimed that a large number of illegal immigrants from Pakistan and Bangladesh were living in Bengaluru, Parameshwara clarified, “We currently have no information about those staying illegally. Those who are here officially will be sent back – we have no objection to that.”
He added, “We will need to initiate efforts to trace those staying illegally. The authorities will take action to locate them. As of now, the decision applies only to Pakistani nationals.”
Speaking on security concerns in Bengaluru, a city that has previously witnessed terror-related incidents, the Home Minister said that both state and central agencies are actively involved in intelligence-sharing. “Often, they share information with the state police. In case of sleeper cell activity, even if the state does not have the information, the Central agencies will. They are expected to have such information, as this concerns national security,” he explained.
He elaborated further, stating, “If our intelligence agencies receive any input, it will be shared with Central agencies like the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB). This is about coordination between state and Central agencies.”
On being asked about security at key defence and scientific institutions in Bengaluru, such as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Parameshwara assured that “special security arrangements are already in place.” He added, “Special Forces have been deployed by both the Central and state governments to protect such institutions.”
Addressing a recent incident in Kalaburagi, where Pakistan flags were allegedly hoisted on a public road and subsequently removed by police, the minister said, “The matter has not yet come to my notice. I will inquire about it.”
Finally, when questioned on the broader issue of terrorism and national security, Parameshwara said, “I won’t speak about matters related to the Central government. They have already initiated diplomatic steps in connection with national security. Harsher steps will have to be initiated so that these incidents don’t recur. Stricter measures will have to be taken to dismantle the terror organisation operating in that region.”