British academic and Kashmiri-origin scholar Nitasha Kaul alleged on Sunday that her Overseas Citizen of India status had been revoked, attributing this action to her scholarly investigations into what she described as the “anti-minority and anti-democratic policies” of the Narendra Modi government.
Kaul, a professor specialising in politics, international studies, and critical interdisciplinary studies at the University of Westminster in London, characterised the cancellation as a “malicious and punitive instance” of transnational repression.
A Kashmiri Pandit by birth, Kaul has been recognised for her critiques of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the ideological predecessor of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
Overseas Citizen of India status permits individuals of Indian origin residing abroad to live and work indefinitely in India.
In a statement on X platform, the academic and writer shared what she claimed was a communication from the Indian government, accusing her of engaging in “anti-India activities” allegedly driven by a disregard for facts and history.
The government’s message reportedly stated, “Through your numerous hostile writings, speeches, and journalistic activities at various international forums and on social media platforms, you consistently criticise India and its institutions regarding matters of India’s sovereignty.”
Responding to the cancellation of her Overseas Citizen of India status, Kaul remarked, “The arrest of academics in India for speaking out against hate is closely linked to denying access to the country and family for academics residing abroad. The intention is to send a message—do not challenge us internally and refrain from analysing developments to convey to international audiences.”
In 2019, Kaul testified before the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs as a key witness, addressing human rights abuses in Kashmir following the revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
In February 2024, while en route to speak at a conference at the invitation of the Karnataka government, she stated she was barred from entering India and deported from Bengaluru airport on government orders. She claimed this was due to her advocacy for democratic and constitutional values.
At the conference, hosted by the Congress government of Karnataka, Kaul had been scheduled to speak on the theme “Constitution and Democracy”. Despite holding a valid visa, she was reportedly prevented from leaving the airport upon arrival.
