'No requests for long term visas from Pakistani Hindus'

New Delhi, Aug 17 (IANS) There have been no requests for long-term visas so far from any of the Hindu families who have crossed over from Pakistan and in case any of them apply for such a visa India would follow the due process, an official said Friday.

Syed Akbaruddin, ministry of external affairs spokesperson, answering a question at a media briefing here said: "At this stage, my information is that there have not been any requests from those who have recently been granted visas in Pakistan and who have crossed here."

He said that the around 250-odd Hindus from Pakistan who had crossed over had come recently and "there is still time for their present visa status which is usually for about a month or so".

The official explained that when Pakistani nationals apply for visas in Islamabad, they apply in categories that are covered by the India-Pakistan Bilateral Visa Agreement. "That agreement provides for categories which are of a short-term nature. Therefore, when they apply and they are considered and we do due diligence and due processes are followed."

The spokesperson said that in case somebody wants a visa which is beyond the period for which he or she has applied, the due process would be followed.

Over 250 Hindus belonging to Balochistan and Sindh provinces, have crossed over to India since Aug 10 amid fears following the kidnapping of a Hindu girl in Sindh province.