KARWAR: Indian authorities took the drastic step to initiate the restriction of entry into the country for a Pakistani national on board an Iraqi commercial cargo, MT-R Ocean, which docked at Karwar Port in Karnataka on May 12. They confirmed that strict vigilance was indeed raised across Indian ports in reaction to the developing regional security situations.
The 14-member crew included 14 Indian nationals, 2 Syrian nationals, and 1 Pakistani national. An Indian captain navigated the ship. During a routine check at Karwar Port, the Pakistani crew member was identified by Indian authorities and denied disembarkation on entry protocol enforcement grounds.
The denial is part of India's greater strategy of enhancing the security of ports, especially in sensitive coastal areas. Officials emphasized that though commercial maritime activity shall be encouraged, India's national security would not be compromised in any case. Verification for all crew members, foreign or Indian, will be subjected to maritime laws and immigration provisions.
The Pakistan was held on board the ship, which then set sail with no delay once the port formalities were completed. According to the authorities, though, no suspicious activity or breach had been found, precautionary measures were necessary.
The entire development is underway, especially with increased efforts on the part of India to observe the presence of foreigners along the coast. It will also extend to the policy of zero tolerance toward any potential security breach. Security measures are likely to stay in place at all major ports for the weeks to come.
[Source Credit: Financial Express]
