SRINAGAR: Authorities have suspended the passports some journalists and at least one Kashmiri political activist,” The Wire reported.
As per the report, they were termed as ‘security threats to India.’
“The Regional Passport Office in Srinagar has emailed at least two journalists and a political activist, among others, alerting them that their passports have been suspended under Section 10(3) of The Passports Act, 1967,” the report said.
The passport authority is given the authority to seize or revoke an Indian citizen’s passport under Section 10(3) if it ‘deems it necessary to do so in the interests of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of India, the friendly relations of India with any foreign country, or in the interests of the general public.’
The email, which was seen by The Wire, also instructs recipients to get in touch with the Srinagar passport office.
“Action will be taken against you if you are unable to contact us before the date as mentioned,’ the message warns, as per the report.
Devinder Singh, the passport officer in Srinagar, claimed that some passports of people living in Kashmir are being detained due to ‘instructions from intelligence agencies.’
“I’m unable to say how many people’s passports will be suspended, but we have received instructions to do so. Some of them have been informed about the course of action,’ Singh told The Wire.
