US Denys Visa Request

[theturbanator]

India condemns US visa decision

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi

Modi has been criticised over his handling of the 2002 riots

The Indian government and opposition have condemned a US decision to refuse a visa to a controversial right-wing Indian politician.

The US revoked the visa of Narendra Modi, the chief minister of the state of Gujarat, for alleged violation of religious freedom.

More than 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, died in religious riots there in 2002.

The government said the US move was "uncalled for" and "displays lack of courtesy" to an elected chief minister.

'Insult'

Mr Modi said the US had "insulted" India by revoking his visa, and asked the federal government to take up the matter with the US authorities.

The US revoked Mr Modi's 'tourist/business' visa under a law that makes "any government official who was responsible for or directly carried out at any time, particularly severe violations of religious freedom, ineligible for a visa".

Granting visa is the sovereign right of any state but the manner in which it was done and reasons given are unacceptable

Yashwant Sinha, BJP leader

Mr Modi's request for a diplomatic visa was also turned down because the purpose of his visit to the US did not qualify him for such a visa, a spokesman for the US embassy in Delhi told the BBC.

Indian foreign ministry spokesman, Navtej Sarna, said on Friday the government "expresses its deep concern and regret" at the visa denial.

"The action on the part of the US embassy is uncalled for and displays lack of courtesy and sensitivity towards a constitutionally-elected chief minister."

US deputy chief of mission in Delhi, Robert Blake, said he would convey to Washington the Indian government's request to review the decision.

Resolution

The main opposition Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to which Mr Modi belongs, also expressed anger at the US decision.

Senior BJP leader and former foreign minister, Yashwant Sinha, said the Indian government should take up the issue "strongly" with the US government.

Gujarat riots

Official figures say more than 1,000 people, mainly Muslims, were killed.

"Granting visa is the sovereign right of any state but the manner in which it was done and reasons given (for denial of visa to Mr Modi) are unacceptable," Mr Sinha told journalists.

However, the largest US Muslim civil liberties group welcomed the US decision.

"This case demonstrates what can be accomplished when Muslim, human rights and minority groups work together for a common purpose," it said.

Earlier this week, two US congressmen introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives criticising Mr Modi's conduct during the 2002 Gujarat riots.

Congressmen John Conyers and Joe Pitts accused Mr Modi of carrying out religious persecution against Muslims, Christians and indigenous tribals.

"Our government should speak with one voice in condemning these policies and the actions of the Modi administration that has led to the death, torture and imprisonment of thousands in Gujarat," Mr Pitts said.

The Gujarat chief minister was due to speak at several events organised by the Indian community in the US.

His actions during the riots came under severe criticism from human rights groups and independent observers, but he continued to remain in office and even won re-election later that year.

Three years after the violence, no one has been brought to justice.

source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4360259.stm

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i would like to say this is a great move ont he US's part to finally realize what indias politicians have been up too

[nanosecond]

Yes gr8 move by US finally.....I think it shud be extended to the likes of Jagdish Tytler, sajjan kumar etc as well

Finally a good thing that US has done.....

2 Major good news for religious freedom and secularism in last 2 days

[Mehtab Singh]

I am glad this black blot on humanity was denied US visa. What pisses me off is that his political opponents are now coming to his aid by coming out with bs like "This is an act against Indian democracy".

[nanosecond]

Exactly, I was shocked to see Manmohan Singh coming in his support saying its a matter of principles and not politics and he urged US to reconsider their decision......disgusting

[Heera Singh]

What do u guyz expect.... its politics... even if Manmohan Singh doesn't personally want to defend Modi he probably 'has' to because of his position and strong influence from his government....

these poloticians only look out for whats best for themselves, they don't care about anybody else....

challo... what can u do.....

now what we also have to do is get both the US and CANADA and even the UK to make a public inquiry into what happened in 1984... because we all know india aint gonna do crap... !!

[nanakbhatti]

Yes gr8 move by US finally.....I think it shud be extended to the likes of Jagdish Tytler, sajjan kumar etc as well

Finally a good thing that US has done.....

2 Major good news for religious freedom and secularism in last 2 days

89629[/snapback]

mr. nanosecond, what you mean by "Finally a good thing that US has done...?"

Is this the only good thing my GREAT COUNTRY ever did?

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Disease: CEREBRUM malfunction

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Prescription: AMERICAN HISTORY

[theturbanator]

vaheguru ji ka khalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

it seems at the whole gujrati community in america is upset ... this is funny

tho the muslim community in america is welcoming this decison

vaheguru ji k akhalsa vaheguru ji ki fateh

[nanosecond]

Chill down Bhatti Ji....tuhada country gr8 he.

And btw my cerebrum, cerebellum, basal ganglia, hippocampus,pons,medulla, intra cranial tension are all fine......i think it may be u who needs a Rx