In an alarming and deeply emotional turn of events, a 70-year-old woman, Rejia Solatana, who has lived in Soro, Odisha, for more than three decades, has been issued a notice by the district administration to leave India. This development has left her family and local community in disbelief and turmoil.
The deportation notice follows recent directives from the central government regarding Pakistani nationals residing in the country. After the Pahalgam terror attack, authorities were instructed to intensify their efforts to identify foreign nationals living within India’s borders. Consequently, Odisha’s state Home Department and Passport Section issued orders, leading to the identification of Rejia Solatana as a Pakistani national.
The district Foreigners Registration Officer (SP Raj Prasad) subsequently served notice number 2561/25.4.25 to Razia, demanding that she vacate India by April 27, 2025. According to officials, Rejia has long been suspected of being a Pakistani citizen, as her sister reportedly resides in Pakistan.
Despite these claims, Rejia strongly denies having any ties to Pakistan. “Just saying I am a Pakistani citizen doesn’t make it true,” Razia asserted. “Where are the papers? I was born here, and I have lived here my entire life.”
Rejia possesses multiple proofs of her Indian identity, including her Aadhaar card, voter ID, pension papers, and government-issued health cards. She continues to receive pension benefits and has voted in elections for years.
Her tragic family history provides context for the controversy: Rejia’s father migrated to Pakistan decades ago, leaving her behind in Soro, where she married Sekh Samsuddin and raised two sons and three daughters. Following her husband’s death, Rejia has remained in Soro, where she is now battling health issues and awaiting clarity on her case.
Rejia’s family is resolute in their defence of her Indian identity. “Our mother is not a foreigner,” one of her sons stated. “She was born here, raised here, and will die here. We appeal to the government to recognise this injustice and withdraw the notice.”
As the deadline approaches, Rejia and her family are fighting to clear her name and prevent her “forced deportation”.
