"I had the indignity of being held back for over two hours"
Slough MP Tan Dhesi revealed that he was travelling to Punjab, however, he was stopped at Amritsar airport and held there for over two hours.
Stating that his dignity had taken a knock, Mr Dhesi said the issue was under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
In a social media post, Mr Dhesi claimed it was due to “haters” calling for his Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) visa cancelled.
On Facebook, he wrote: “Upon landing in India last year, I felt the huge love and respect from many Indian farmers unions and civil society (in recognition for stridently speaking up for human rights during the farmers protest), but today I had the indignity of being held back for over two hours at Amritsar airport because some haters had complained to get my valid OCI visa suspended.
“Despite rumours, the issue was fully resolved with officials there, thanks to strong interventions from family, friends and supporters, to whom I’m very grateful.”
Mr Dhesi, who had travelled to India on a personal visit, alleged that it was “the price to pay” for showing support for the farmers.
Last year in #India I felt the love for speaking up on #FarmersProtest #HumanRights, but today was held back at #Amritsar airport, as haters had called to cancel my visa.
Guess it’s the price to pay for standing up for farmers, the marginalised and minorities like the #Sikhs. pic.twitter.com/hppgjXpNNN
— Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP (@TanDhesi) August 3, 2023
He added: “Even for an MP who is constantly wishing and working for the betterment of Punjab, India, and the wider subcontinent, I guess that’s the price to pay for standing in solidarity with farmers, the marginalised and minorities like the Sikhs.”
Mr Dhesi’s revelation led to a mixture of opinions.
Some were angered by the actions of the officials.
Ferozepur MP Sukhbir Singh Badal tweeted:
“Detaining and harassing prominent Sikh NRI and British MP @TanDhesi at Amritsar airport this morning is a highly deplorable act.
“This sends a hugely negative message about the treatment of even prominent and respected members of the patriotic Sikh community and damages the country’s secular image in the comity of nations.
“The incident has deeply hurt the sentiments of Sikh masses to see one of their internationally acclaimed representatives mistreated thus.
“I urge Union Home Minister Mr Amit Shah to intervene personally to put a brake on such humiliating treatment to members of the Sikh community.
“The guilty officials must be pulled up for their rude and discriminatory treatment of a highly respected Sikh personality.”
Another wrote:
“The official who issued your visa should be fired right away.”
However, others criticised Mr Dhesi, with one person accusing him of using the farmer’s protest for his own good.
The user wrote: “This doesn’t suit an MP to stoke communal feelings for his own good.”
Another said: “You are not welcome in India.”
A spokesperson for the Indian High Commission in London acknowledged the social media post, but said they could not comment on issues relating to immigration and entry to a country.
They also noted Mr Dhesi’s own reports that he was able to enter the country.
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