16 Look out circulars issued against Khalistan leaders

India has issued 16 look out circulars (LOCs) against pro-Khalistan leaders and activists involved in protests and activities against the country abroad while another three dozen names have been identified to be put under the watchlist before revoking their Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards in some cases.

The government has also intensified its efforts to join hands with key countries to deter and counter the growing network of Sikh radicals across the US, Australia, Canada and UK, said external affairs ministry officials.

The move comes in the wake of a series of attacks on India's embassies, including the recent attack in San Francisco where Khalistan supporters tried to set the diplomatic facility on fire. The US government was quick to condemn the incident, terming it a "criminal offence". The National Investigation Agency (NIA), probing a similar attack on the Indian Mission in London in March, is likely to probe the San Francisco vandalism, officials said, adding that those involved in the attack will be identified and an LOC will be issued against them.

Last month, the NIA sought an LOC and released pictures of 45 people who were allegedly responsible for vandalising the High Commission in London and showing disrespect to the national flag. The LOC issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BOI), on the agency's request, will alert the authorities if the wanted person is leaving or coming to India. At present, 43 land, sea and international airports are manned by BOI while another 61 check posts and seaports are looked after by the state government.

The blacklist is maintained by the Centre and reviewed from time to time, and names are added or deleted on the recommendation of central agencies of police authorities in the state. "Action against Sikh radicals is now part of regular dialogue between New Delhi and various western capitals including Canberra and Ottawa. Either the Indian missions regularly take up matters with the hosts or the external affairs ministry moves the missions of Canada and Australia regularly on the matter which has emerged as a headache for the Indian government," an official said on condition of anonymity.

India wants senior political leaders abroad to issue statements to deter the Sikh radicals, said people aware of the matter. Canada, whose ties with India have touched a low over this issue, appears to have made some course correction. Canada's foreign and defence ministers have spoken out against the Sikh radicals.

"The materials posted online for a protest on July 8 are unacceptable, and they do not represent Canadians. Canada will continue to ensure the safety of foreign diplomats in this country - and we take this responsibility seriously," tweeted Canada's defence minister Anita Anand. On Thursday, Britain's foreign secretary James Cleverly also issued a strong statement against Sikh radicals.