India sends back 50 Pakistani students after threats by extremists

LAHORE: Fifty Pakistani students, along with their teachers, on an exchange programme to India were sent back to Lahore on Tuesday after they received threats from extremist organisations.

According to Indian media reports, the students who reached India on May 1, were sent back home within a day, after threats were made to the host NGO for inviting the students.

Reportedly, the NGO has been advised by Indian government officials that the time is unfavourable for the exchange programme.

The students were threatened by Hindu nationalist Shiv Sena, after ties between the two countries deteriorated.

The students were a part of the cultural exchange programme and on a five-day visit to India. The students after the intimidation from extremists were terrified and remained inside their rooms.

They reached Wagah border safely today.

A student spoke to Geo News, narrating the ordeal the students went through.

“We were having dinner when commotion was raised and our in-charge said announced that we were to head to Pakistan tomorrow, everyone was surprised because we were scheduled to go to Agra to see the Taj Mahal tomorrow… We truly panicked after the announcement,” she said.

Tensions between two countries flared again on Tuesday when India accused Pakistan of killing and mutilating the bodies of two Indian soldiers across the Line of Control.

Pakistan Army had categorically rejected Indian Army’s accusations of killing two members of an Indian army patrol near LoC.

“Pakistan Army did not commit any ceasefire violation on the line of control or a BAT action in the Buttal sector (Indian Krishna Ghatti Sector) as alleged by India. Indian blame of mutilating Indian soldiers' bodies are also false”, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement had said.