Pakistan asylum seekers surprise Centre

NEW DELHI: Taken by surprise at the request made by a large number of Pakistani Hindus to be allowed to stay on in India, New Delhi has said it will look into the issue.

Hindus from Pakistan, who are visiting India for pilgrimage, were given visas like any other Pakistani nationals, but the developments that followed were somewhat unexpected. "It was unexpected to hear that such a large number do not want to return. In terms of the people turning up, there has been an element of surprise for all of us. Last year too we had visitors, but there was no influx, apart from one particular case," a senior official said.

By and large, India does not send back people fleeing persecution, but deals on a case-by-case basis. "At the same time, we try not to become a magnet," said the official, stressing that India is also dealing with the issue of Rohingyas from Myanmar, a dispute it is not party to. Around 250 Pak Hindus are here on a visiting visa, and Pak had alleged a conspiracy in visas being granted to so many people.