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https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/03/17/india-authorities-revoke-visa-privileges-diaspora-critics>
"(New York) – Indian authorities are revoking visa privileges to overseas
critics of Indian origin who have spoken out against the ruling Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP)-led government’s policies, Human Rights Watch said today.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi often attends mass gatherings of diaspora party
supporters in the United States, Europe, Australia, and elsewhere to celebrate
Indian democracy, while his government has targeted people it claims are
“tarnishing the image” of the country.
The Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) status is available to foreign citizens of
Indian origin or foreigners married to Indian nationals to obtain broad
residency rights and bypass visa requirements, but does not amount to
citizenship. Many of those whose OCI visa status was revoked are Indian-origin
academics, activists, and journalists who have been vocal critics of the BJP’s
Hindu majoritarian ideology. Some have challenged their exclusion in Indian
courts on constitutional grounds seeking protection of their rights to speech
and livelihood.
“Indian government reprisals against members of the diaspora who criticize the
BJP’s abusive and discriminatory policies show the authorities’ growing
hostility to criticism and dialogue,” said Elaine Pearson, Asia director at
Human Rights Watch. “The authorities seem intent on expanding politically
motivated repression against Indian activists and academics at home to foreign
citizens of Indian origin beyond India’s borders.”"
Via David.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
