Ajaz Khan Reacts to Imran Khan’s Deportation Notice, Says He Considers Actor an American
MUMBAI — Actor Ajaz Khan has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Imran Khan, who has reportedly been ordered to leave India following his participation in a protest in Mumbai, saying the actor’s American citizenship makes him a foreign national.
Speaking in an interview, Ajaz said he considers Imran an American because he holds U.S. citizenship.
“Imran Khan has taken American citizenship. I will consider him American,” Ajaz said.
He suggested that Imran’s participation in the protest would not have raised the same legal concerns if he had remained an Indian citizen.
“If he had an Indian passport and went to protest, there would have been no problem. Now I have also come to know that he has American citizenship, which is wrong. I hate America, and I hate Elon Musk,” Ajaz said.
Ajaz also addressed the controversy surrounding Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, expressing support for the Indian government’s approach to national security.
“It is a matter of India’s security, and India’s security should be the first priority for the Prime Minister,” he said.
The controversy began after Imran participated in demonstrations at Mumbai’s August Kranti Maidan calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) subsequently directed the actor to leave India by October 28, alleging that his participation in the protest violated provisions of the Foreigners Act.
According to the order, Imran holds Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status rather than Indian citizenship.
OCI status grants eligible foreign nationals certain residency and travel privileges in India but does not confer Indian citizenship.
The matter has also attracted political attention.
On October 13, Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former member of Parliament Kirit Somaiya approached the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and immigration authorities, requesting that a Look Out Circular be issued against Imran.
A Look Out Circular is used by Indian authorities to monitor or restrict the international travel of individuals in connection with investigations or legal proceedings.
Imran, known for his role in the film “Delhi Belly,” reportedly plans to challenge the FRRO notice by filing a writ petition in the Bombay High Court.
The dispute has raised questions about the participation of foreign citizens holding OCI status in political demonstrations in India.
Imran’s reported legal challenge could determine whether the order requiring him to leave the country will remain in effect. (Source: IANS)
