Press Release 16th January 2003
Delhi State Chapter
PIPFPD condemns the denial of visas to several Pakistan citizens desirous
of attending the Asian Social Forum held in Hyderabad from January 2nd
to January 7th 2003. As many as 360 delegates for the ASF from Pakistan
were denied visa. Among those denied the visa includes the Co-chairperson
of the Pakistan India Peoples' Forum, I.A. Rehman as well as noted human
rights activist Asma Jahangir.
Denial of visas to people who hold no official position and are part
of the democratic movement in Pakistan only implies that the Indian
Government is un-willing to extend courtesies due to our neighbours
to enable them to participate in regional or pan-regional meetings just
because they take place in India. This is highly condemnable.
The Government of India, in all its sincerity and commitment to South
Asian peace, should open up the borders to enable people-to-people interaction
as a precursor to peace at the governmental level. We call upon GOI
to take this initiative and restart the road and railways to Pakistan.
Vijayan MJ, Convener
On Behalf of PIPFPD Delhi State Chapter
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