In a significant incident in Rajasthan, two British tourists have been issued a 'leave India' notice by the police for allegedly displaying pro-Palestine posters in Pushkar, a town renowned for its popularity among Israeli visitors. The tourists, both in their 30s, arrived in India on tourist visas in January and directly traveled to Pushkar from Delhi.
Police Investigation and Apology
According to Additional Superintendent of Police (CID, Ajmer Zone) Rajesh Meena, the tourists pasted posters with the slogan "Free Palestine Boycott Israel" on walls in certain areas of Pushkar. Meena stated that the CID investigated the matter and brought the individuals in for questioning. During the interrogation, the two UK nationals apologized for their actions.
Legal Implications for Tourists
The police emphasized that since the tourists entered India on tourist visas, they are prohibited from engaging in political activities. This aligns with Indian laws that define anti-government activities for foreigners, which can lead to such notices. The 'leave India' notice was formally served on Monday by the Foreigners Registration Office (FRO) in Ajmer, instructing the duo to depart at the earliest.
Current Status and Potential Consequences
As of now, the tourists remain in Pushkar. Police officials have warned that if they fail to leave promptly, further legal action will be taken. Sources indicate that the tourists have informed authorities they are in the process of booking return tickets and plan to leave soon. The posters were printed at a local press, with nine sheets used for the display.
Context of Pushkar's Tourist Demographics
Pushkar, located approximately half an hour from Ajmer, is a favored destination for tourists, particularly from Israel. This is evident from the presence of Hebrew signage on some local storefronts and a Chabad House, a synagogue that attracts Israeli visitors. The incident highlights the sensitive nature of political expressions in areas with diverse international tourist populations.
This case underscores the importance for foreign tourists to adhere to visa regulations and avoid political engagements while in India, as violations can result in serious repercussions like deportation notices.
