Revocation of Citizenship Cards for Khalistani Terrorists: Implications for Entry to India and Asset Seizure

After the assassination of Khalistani terrorists, tensions are simmering between India and Canada. Meanwhile, media reports suggest that the Indian government is preparing to identify and revoke the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards of Khalistani terrorists present in Canada, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Following these government moves, these terrorists may not be able to enter India. News agency IANS, citing sources, reported that the government has also ordered the identification of the assets of terrorists residing abroad. On Saturday, the NIA seized assets of Khalistani terrorists in Chandigarh and Amritsar. Legally, these assets now belong to the government.

NIA (National Investigation Agency) has released a new list of Khalistani sympathizers. Amid the government’s strict stance, NIA has published a new list of Khalistani sympathizers, including prominent names like Paramjit Singh Pamma, Kulwant Muthada, Sukhpal Singh, Sarabjit Benur, Kulwant, Gurpreet Singh, Harjap, Harpreet Singh, Ranjit Nita, Gurmeet Singh, Jasmeet Hakimzada, Gurjant Dhillon, Lakhbir Rode, Amardeep Purewal, Jatinder Dhillon, Dr. S Himmat Singh, and Vadhwaa Singh (Babbar Khalsa).

Earlier, on September 20th, NIA had also released a list of 11 gangsters and terrorists. On Saturday, NIA raided the residence of a Khalistani terrorist in Punjab and issued notices to seize assets associated with him.

The notice states that NIA has filed an application to seize the immovable assets of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In this case, concerned individuals and locals can file their claims by October 11th in the Special NIA Court in Mohali.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has once again accused India of carrying out the assassination of Khalistani terrorist sympathizers. During a media interaction on Friday, Trudeau alleged that a few weeks ago, they had shared evidence with the Indian government, which strengthens their claims. He expressed a desire for cooperation from Delhi in the investigation.

In response, India has stated that Canada’s allegations are baseless and that India has consistently denied all allegations made by Canada. The Ministry of External Affairs in India has stated that Canada’s allegations are unsubstantiated. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau had also made similar accusations against Prime Minister Modi and had been completely rebuffed.

The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards are a part of the OCI scheme that was initiated in August 2005. This was introduced as an amendment to the Citizenship Act of 1955. Under this scheme, individuals of Indian origin, who were either Indian citizens on or after January 26, 1950, or those who became Indian citizens after that date, or were eligible for Indian citizenship, can register themselves as overseas citizens of India. Furthermore, individuals who have citizenship in Pakistan, Bangladesh, or any other country as specified by the Indian government, are not eligible for OCI status.

The OCI card allows individuals to stay in India for an indefinite period, engage in employment, and conduct various economic transactions. OCI cardholders can visit India without requiring a visa. The OCI card is valid for a lifetime.