UAD thanks PM Modi govt for removing 312 Sikh names from blacklist

The United Akali Dal (UAD) on Saturday thanked the the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government for removing from a blacklist names of 314 Sikh foreign nationals allegedly involved in anti-India activities. United Akali Dal (UAD) General Secretary Bhai Satnam Singh Manawa also appealed to the Centre to release Sikh prisoners who were involved in such acts and have completed their sentences.

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UAD expresses gratitude

Expressing gratitude to the central government, Manawa said the removal of names from the government blacklist will enable them to pay obeisance at Sri Harmindar Sahib in Amritsar. In addition, the asylees can now apply for a long term Indian visa as well as the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card, depending on their eligibility.

For example, if an individual has applied for an Indian visa and has held a normal visa for at least two years then the person could also apply for overseas citizenship of India. In that case, the person would be allowed to work and stay in India for an indefinite period without leaving their foreign national identity. 

The government on Friday removed 312 Sikh foreign nationals from its blacklist of 314 people, who were involved in anti-India activities, Home Ministry officials had said.

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The decision was taken after a review carried out by different security agencies on the Adverse List or blacklist.The UAD leader also urged Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to not levy USD 20 on each pilgrim visiting Sri Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in his country, saying such a move will restrict religious rights of Sikhs who wanted to visit one of the holiest places of the faith.

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