Sarada Bai, a Pakistani national who has lived in India for more than 35 years, has been ordered by the Odisha police to leave the country immediately. Authorities confirmed that her visa has been cancelled, and she has been instructed to return to Pakistan without delay. Police have warned that legal action will follow if she does not comply.
The move comes as part of a series of non-military measures India has announced in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. Other steps include the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty, closure of the Attari border, and revocation of visas issued to Pakistani nationals.
Sarada Bai had married into a Hindu family in Bolangir district years ago, tying the knot with Mahesh Kukreja. Her son and daughter are Indian citizens. Despite having important documents such as a voter ID, she was never granted Indian citizenship.
With folded hands, Sarada Bai has appealed to authorities to allow her to stay. “I was first in Koraput, then came to Bolangir. I have no one in Pakistan. Even my passport is too old. I ask the government and you all with folded hands, please allow me to live here” she said. “I have two grown children, grandchildren… I wish to live here as an Indian.”
Her emotional plea has struck a chord with many in the community. However, the Bolangir Police have maintained that they will act strictly according to the law.
The Pahalgam terror attack, which triggered these measures, saw heavily armed terrorists—believed to be from a Lashkar-e-Taiba offshoot—open fire on tourists in the Baisaran meadows of Kashmir, an area often dubbed “mini Switzerland.” The assault has been described as the deadliest in Kashmir in years, specifically targeting civilians.
The situation around Sarada Bai’s case remains tense as the larger diplomatic fallout between India and Pakistan unfolds.