OCI cards, visas of farm protest backers revoked

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 27

The Centre has cancelled Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cards and long-term (LT) visas of people of Indian origin found involved in anti-India activities.

Also read: NRI Darshan Singh Dhaliwal refused entry for ‘backing’ farmers’ protest

Without disclosing the number of cancelled OCI cards and LT visas, sources said action was taken against those who indulged in anti-India activities in the guise of supporting the ongoing farmers’ protest against three farm laws enacted by the Centre.

Indian missions in different countries have been keeping a close eye on the activities of the people of Indian origin participating in anti-India activities, sources say. It has been noticed that in several countries, particularly Canada, Indian students studying there have been participating in anti-India protests outside missions. The government has reportedly identified at least 12 such persons. If they try to travel to India, the Immigration Department has been advised to send them back to their origin of travel nation.

In September, India registered a protest with the Canadian government over some comments made by a few political leaders of that country on the issue of farmers’ agitation, which, it claimed, was “interference in the internal matter”. India had asserted that it was not acceptable to it.

The farmers’ protest has been going for almost a year.