Odisha issues ‘quit India’ notice to eight Chinese nationals

On June 7, the Union ministry of home affairs had intimated the state government about the overstay of 10 Chinese nationals in the state

Bhubaneswar, June 13: The Odisha government on Monday served ‘quit India’ notice on eight Chinese nationals working with a Thai company at the Dhamra port in Bhadrak district of the state.

The Chinese nationals were on a business visa and working in a company engaged in the expansion of the port, which is located a few kilometres away from defence-sensitive APJ Abdul Kalam Island (Wheeler Island) from where India test-fires its missiles.

State home department principal secretary Asit Tripathy said following an inquiry by state intelligence police and the Bhadrak district police, the Chinese nationals have been served the ‘quit India’ notices.

Last week on June 7, the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) had intimated the state government about the overstay of 10 Chinese nationals in the state.

“The MHA had advised us to instruct them to quit India by adopting appropriate procedures,” said Tripathy. “Immediately, Bhadrak district superintendent of police, who is the Foreigner Registration Officer (FRO) in this case, and the director, intelligence, verified and informed me that there are eight Chinese nationals and not 10 who are overstaying at the Dhamra port site,” he added.

“They have been served ‘Quit India’ notice and necessary procedures are being applied as per provisions of the relevant law. Their names have been found out and whatever action is needed to be taken has been taken,” Tripathy added.