New Delhi: The terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on 22 April 2025, in which 26 people were killed, strained India-Pakistan relations. After this attack, India ordered Pakistani citizens to leave the country in 48 hours, but Long Term Visa (LTV) holder Hindus were exempted from it. This visa has become a security shield for minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Meanwhile, India decided to temporarily come out of the Indus Water Treaty of 1960 until Pakistan curbs cross-border terrorism.

Features of LTV Visa
The LTV visa is for minority communities like Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians who come to India from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Afghanistan. It is also for women who married Indian men or widows/divorced women of Indian origin who are citizens of these countries. Normally issued for five years, this visa can also be extended for one year under special circumstances. A Home Ministry official said, “LTV holders have the right to stay safe in India; this helps them on humanitarian grounds.”

Government’s tough stand

After the Pahalgam attack, Home Minister Amit Shah held a meeting with the Chief Ministers of all the states and directed Pakistani citizens to leave the country immediately. However, relief was given to LTV holders, who are mostly Hindus and other minorities fleeing persecution. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Our decision is against terrorism and not against innocents who have taken refuge in India.”

Way forward

The Pahalgam attack has forced India to take more strict steps against terrorism. The LTV visa protects minorities in humanitarian crises, but India’s tough stand on cross-border terrorism is a clear message to Pakistan.