Voter ID card or an Indian passport will now be considered valid proof of citizenship. A senior police officer confirmed that this change was made following instructions from the Central Government.
This decision came during a verification drive that began in October last year.
Authorities found that many foreign nationals, especially Bangladeshis and Rohingyas living illegally in India, were falsely claiming Indian citizenship using Aadhaar, PAN, and ration cards.
As reported by Hindustan Times, a senior officer said, “Many illegal immigrants were found with Aadhaar, PAN, ration cards, and even UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) cards.
This made it hard to confirm who is truly Indian. That’s why only Voter ID cards or Indian passports will now be accepted.”
Delhi Police has also told DCPs of all districts to closely monitor suspicious individuals in their areas.
Officials added that the campaign to identify and send back illegal immigrants will continue until it is completed.
3,500 Pakistani Citizens in Delhi
At the same time, Delhi Police has stepped up action against Pakistani nationals living in the city.
According to current records, there are around 3,500 Pakistani citizens in Delhi, including about 520 Muslims, of whom over 400 have already returned to Pakistan through the Attari border.
After the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the central government has decided to cancel the visas of Pakistani citizens.
Only those with medical, diplomatic, or long-term visas (LTV) will be allowed to stay. Even medical visas will be cancelled after April 29.
Delhi Police and intelligence agencies have been ordered to collect details about all Pakistani nationals living in the capital and arrange for their return.
However, the government has clarified that Hindu Pakistani nationals already holding long-term visas will not be affected and their visas will remain valid.
