Auckland activist and GP Sapna Samant has been criticised by the Indian government. Photo: Supplied
- Auckland activist and GP Sapna Samant faces ban on returning there, denies her views are anti-India
- Indian High Commission says her politics, social media, and a radio interview can cause disharmony
- Samant concerned about free speech for Indians amid possible free trade deal with the Modi government
An Auckland doctor says she will not be silenced by the Indian government after being warned she faces a ban on returning to her homeland because of her political activities and online criticisms.
Dr Sapna Samant, a GP and filmmaker, was told her Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status was being revoked due to her social media accounts, a radio interview and being on the Green Party website.
The OCI is a card given to Indians who become New Zealand citizens, allowing them to keep certain birthrights - including travelling to India.
Samant said the move did not bode well for free speech for Indians in New Zealand and she was concerned about what concessions might be made during talks for a free trade agreement with an India led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Indian High Commission in Wellington wrote to her in January, putting her on notice it was considering the OCI revocation due to "activities inimical to the sovereignty and integrity of India and the interests of the general public" - specifically her X/Twitter and YouTube accounts, the Green Party website (she stood as a candidate in the 2023 elections) and an interview with Auckland radio station 95bFM.
"Contents used by the foreigner on the said platforms can cause disharmony among various members and sections of the society," it said.
The Indian government sent Sapna Samant a notice about her 'disharmony' on social media. Photo: Supplied
"And because of these reasons, they are thinking all of these things have caused social disharmony," Samant said.
"I asked... have they actually sent a similar notice to other Indians who are associated with other parties? Because we have freedom of choice over here, we can freely associate with any political party we want, and have they sent a similar notice to other Indians who have been members of Parliament and who are prominent in other political parties, or is it just me?"
In her reply to the High Commission, she asked why public debate was dangerous.
"Our vast history and struggle for freedom have taught us to always stand up and apply our intellectual vigour to everything.
"We are inherently deep and reflective people who can give many thoughtful gifts to the world. I am a proud Indian who will always aspire for those goals."
She had heard nothing since sending her February appeal, so did not know whether her status had been cancelled, or whether her appeal was being considered.
India govt's changes viewed as threat to its secular democracy by some
Changes brought in under Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, as well as the rise of right-wing Hindutva nationalism, have been viewed as a threat to its secular democracy by some academics, writers and activists.
Inidan PM Narendra Modi. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
Modi's supporters deny the administration is a threat to an inclusive society, pointing to its development policies of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.
In New Zealand, they held a demonstration in Wellington to show their support for the South Asian nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity in November, while in Auckland protesters gathered for a mock referendum on Khalistan, the creation of an independent homeland for Sikhs within India.
For Samant, she cannot return to India on a trip if her OCI is revoked - something she had been intending to do with her foster son this September - unless she was instead granted a visitor or work visa.
"I have been called out for supposed anti-India activities ever since I started talking about the presence of Hindutva in Aotearoa New Zealand, this is 2006, 2007," she told RNZ.
"I have been harassed by the Hindutva people in multiple complaints in every possible way - complaints to the Medical Council, complaints to the Broadcasting Standards Authority.
"My name has been published on a website, Stop Hindu Hate, saying I am anti-Hindu, I'm anti-India."
RNZ has approached Stop Hindu Hate for comment, but has not had a reply.
Samant attends a demonstration in October 2020 in Onehunga opposite the Consulate of India. Photo: Supplied
After a demonstration in Aotea Square in 2019, she received a phone call from a community leader, "who said that they are watching me and that all my privileges will be cancelled, that I am indulging in anti India-activities and, you know, mingling with the enemies".
The Indian High Commission denied involvement in other warnings to protesters on social media, telling Stuff a man who made Facebook posts and a phone call did not represent it in any capacity.
Modi govt cancelled more than 100 OCI cards in last decade
The Modi government has cancelled more than 100 OCI cards over the last decade in other countries.
If Sapna's appeal fails, it would likely be the first example of an OCI being cancelled in New Zealand.
The High Commission has not responded to several requests for interview or comment from RNZ in the last week.
Samant said her situation potentially affected many New Zealanders holding OCIs.
"This is an ongoing harassment and, I suppose, a threat that I've had for many, many years now - where all the patriarchs have come out and told me that 'your privileges will be removed because you're anti-India'."
She denied her stance was anti-India.
"Of course not. It's critiquing a democracy. Where I grew up in a household where there were raucous political conversations and everybody had an opinion... it was pretty obvious that you have great pride in your country and your culture and your heritage.
"You learn from all of these things and you want the best for people in India.
"Because, this is my theory, if India thrives the whole world will thrive because it's a unique example of so many different cultures and peoples and languages all living together."
Free trade and free speech
Samant had not decided what to do next - if and when she finds out what the High Commission's final decision is - such as try to appeal through Indian courts as others had.
"My biggest concern at this point is what I see as political interference - in influencing, by warning me about my affiliation with the Green Party - is that they are trying to influence how the third largest ethnicity in Aotearoa New Zealand will vote in future elections."
She was also concerned about what may be up for negotiation in the free trade agreement.
Modi's comments about anti-India activities in New Zealand during Christopher Luxon's trip to India had been interpreted to be about an unofficial Khalistan referendum event in Auckland last year, but were in Samant's view about anyone who spoke out about the Modi administration or the political ideology of Hindutva.
Modi and Luxon at Sikh temple Gurdwara Rakab Ganj Sahib in India. Photo: Supplied
"We have shared our concerns about anti-India activities by some illegal elements in New Zealand," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said then.
"We are confident that we will continue to receive the support of the New Zealand government in taking action against these illegal elements."
Later speaking to media, Luxon said New Zealand respected India's sovereignty, but has very strong laws and expected people to be able to exercise free speech.
"Even though Mr Luxon stood firm in various media interviews that you know, we have freedom of speech and the right to protest, we don't know what he's going to give just to get this trade deal over the line."
RNZ asked the Prime Minister's office about the OCI issue, harassment and warnings directed at Indian-born migrants, and what concessions the government might make to the Indian administration.
A spokesperson responded: "It is not for the New Zealand Government to comment on the policies and decisions of other governments about who is eligible to hold visas."
Samant worries surveillance might be stepped up.
"Surveillance and spying is not anything new, we've always heard about these things, but to actively do it - to silence critics and to suppress dissent because you don't like it - is not a good sign for any democracy or for Aotearoa New Zealand.
"So if Mr Luxon wants to have his trade deal over the line, he might just have to turn a blind eye to that."
She is planning to continue being vocal: others would find it harder to speak out publicly, she said, because they had personal reasons for needing to return to India.
"They think they've won, but they haven't really. For the government of India, this is a hollow victory, because they think they can shut me up, but they can't.
"I want India to be a leader in in human rights and to showcase her diversity and to showcase how so many different kinds of people live together. It's an ancient culture that was colonised by the British and destroyed, but was back on track. We have to point out what we can do better, so I'll continue to do that.
"But if the government of India is thinking that they can use me as an example to silence other Indians, then I think they're quite mistaken."
* RNZ has approached other individuals and organisations for comment on this story. The High Commission has not responded; the Hindu Council of New Zealand declined to comment, neither Stop Hindu Hate nor the the Auckland Indian Association replied to requests for comment.
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