Bolangir: Sharada Kukreja, a 53-year-old woman originally from Pakistan, has made an emotional appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging them not to separate her from her family. She has received a notice from local authorities mandating her departure from India.

Born in Sukkur, Sindh, Sharada fled to India 35 years ago to escape forced conversion and an unwanted marriage. After marrying Mahesh Kumar Kukreja, she settled in Bolangir, Odisha, where she raised two children, both of whom are now married.

Bolangir's Superintendent of Police, Abilash G, confirmed that the notice was issued solely to Sharada, not her husband or children. He stated that they are verifying her claims regarding her Aadhaar card and voting history.

Following a recent announcement, India has revoked all visas for Pakistani nationals, requiring them to leave the country by April 27, amid rising tensions after a tragic terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sharada recounted her family's journey, stating that she and her siblings fled Pakistan due to fears of conversion. They initially arrived in Koraput before moving to Bolangir after her marriage in 1990. Despite holding a Pakistani passport, she has lived in India for decades.

"I possess an Aadhaar card and have participated in elections, yet I am still not recognized as an Indian citizen," she lamented, expressing hope for citizenship under the Citizenship Amendment Act.

With the threat of deportation looming, Sharada fears being separated from her family. "If I am sent back to Pakistan, I have no one there. I haven't been in contact with anyone since 1987," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

Her family, including her children and grandchildren, share her anxiety and refuse to accept the possibility of her being taken away.

The Odisha government has identified 12 Pakistani nationals in the state who are required to leave by the end of April.

In a related case, another Pakistani woman married to a shopkeeper in Bhubaneswar has been informed that her exit permit has been approved. Despite her long-term visa expiring in 2024, she was issued a visitor visa after her extension request was denied.

"We have processed her exit permit as per the central government's directive regarding Pakistani nationals," stated Bhubaneswar DCP Jagmohan Meena.