'Unacceptable': Paswan defends 'Leave India' notice to Imran Khan over Mumbai stir

NEW DELHI: Union minister Chirag Paswan on Sunday reacted to the ‘Leave India’ notice issued to actor Imran Khan over his participation in protests seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Paswan termed the involvement of foreign nationals in India’s internal affairs “unacceptable”, while expressing support for peaceful protests by Indian citizens.Paswan told news agency ANI that he supported peaceful demonstrations by Indian citizens but questioned the participation of those who do not hold Indian citizenship.“There is no objection to Indian citizens playing a role in matters concerning India while living within the country.

I have always supported peaceful protests. However, I do not consider it justifiable for someone who is not an Indian citizen to intervene in India's internal affairs or play a role in such matters,” he said.“For someone who is not an Indian citizen to involve themselves in India's internal affairs—especially when there are growing concerns that foreign forces may be involved in orchestrating these events—is unacceptable,” the Union Minister added.

Paswan’s remarks follow the issuance of a ‘Leave India’ notice to Imran Khan by Mumbai Police on Thursday. The notice directs the actor to leave India by October 28. According to ANI, Khan, the nephew of actor Aamir Khan, holds an American passport.

Authorities have initiated action against him under Sections 29 and 7 of the Immigration Act over allegations that he participated in a protest despite not being an Indian citizen.Khan had joined a demonstration at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan, where protesters demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He was detained by Mumbai Police last week.After his detention, the actor posted a picture of himself apparently sitting inside a police van, with the caption, “Apparently I’m going for a drive.”

Khan said he had visited the protest site as a citizen of Mumbai and was not there to press any specific demands.

He also raised questions about freedom of movement and what he described as the suppression of people’s voices.On Saturday, Khan approached the Bombay high court, challenging the notice issued by the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) over alleged violations of the Foreigners Act. His lawyer indicated that the notice would be contested in court.

Earlier, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kirit Somaiya had called for Khan’s immediate arrest and deportation, alleging violations of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) provisions and visa conditions.