UK-based Indian-origin academic and professor, Nitasha Kaul, was deported from India immediately after her arrival at the Bengaluru airport…reports Asian Lite News
The Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday that the entry of foreign nationals into the country is a sovereign decision regarding the denial of entry to Nitasha Kaul, a UK national.
During a weekly media briefing by the MEA, the official spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said, “This particular UK national (Nitasha Kaul) came to India on February 22. As you know, the entry of foreign nationals into our country is a sovereign decision…”
Notably, UK-based Indian-origin academic and professor, Nitasha Kaul, claimed that she was deported from India immediately after her arrival at the Bengaluru airport.
Kaul said that she was invited by the Karnataka government for a two-day conclave on constitutional rights.
“Denied entry to #India for speaking on democratic & constitutional values. I was invited to a conference as esteemed delegate by Govt of #Karnataka (Congress-ruled state) but Centre refused me entry. All my documents were valid & current (UK passport & OCI),” Kaul posted on X on February 25.
“I was given no reason by immigration except ‘we cannot do anything, orders from Delhi’. My travel & logistics had been arranged by Karnataka & I had the official letter with me. I received no notice or info in advance from Delhi that I would not be allowed to enter,” added Kaul in her post on X.
The invite had sparked controversy after the BJP claimed that Kaul had alleged sympathies towards Pakistan.
BJP Karnataka alleged on X that Congress had disgraced the Indian Constitution by inviting a Pakistani sympathiser.
“At the expense of Karnataka tax payers’, Congress govt is channeling funds to Terrorist-Sympathisers, Urban Naxals, Anti-Nationals, Riots-accused to destabilise India ahead of elections,” wrote BJP Karnataka on X.
In a post on X, BJP Karnataka official handle said that Congress party has disgraced Indian Constitution by inviting a Pakistani sympathiser who wants India’s break up.
“Don’t you have any shame left CM Siddaramaiah? Are you trying to challenge the constitution and threaten the unity & integrity of India? It is now apparent that the Congress party is now using Karnataka as its laboratory to prepare ground for its divisive agendas, potentially undermining national unity and integrity. At the expense of Karnataka tax payers’, Congress govt is channelling funds to Terrorist-Sympathisers, Urban Naxals, Anti-Nationals, Riots-accused to destabilise India ahead of elections,” the party said.
“Thanks to our security agencies, one such anti-India element was caught suspiciously entering India and detained at the airport. No money to spend on drought relief or developmental needs of Karnataka, but Siddaramaiah is happy to finance the Break India Brigade in an effort to appease Rahul Gandhi and save his CM Chair, all in the name of Dr. Ambedkar’s constitution. What a disgrace!” it added. (ANI)
‘Efforts On To Help Over 20 Indians Stuck In Russia’
At least 20 Indians, who had gone as support staff to work with the Russian Army, are stuck in that country and efforts are on to seek their early release, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday, reiterating that New Delhi is “deeply committed” to the welfare of all its nationals.
The remarks came in the backdrop of reports that a group of Indian youth fell victim to agents who deceitfully sent them to Russia under the false pretext of providing them with security guard jobs.
“It is our understanding that there are 20-odd people who have gone to work as support staff or as helpers with the Russian Army. These are the people who’ve contacted us… We are trying our level best to ensure their early discharge,” MEA spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said while addressing the weekly media briefing on Thursday.
The spokesperson also referred to the statements issued by the MEA that urged all Indian nationals in Russia to exercise due caution and stay away from the conflict (with Ukraine).
“We are trying our best… We are in regular touch with the Russian authorities — both here in New Delhi and in Moscow. We are deeply-committed to the welfare of all Indians,” Jaiswal told reporters.
The ministry had issued a statement on February 26, which said that several Indian nationals have already been discharged and that India remains “committed to pursuing all the relevant cases of its citizens for an early discharge from the Russian Army”.
The statement also noted that there were “inaccurate reports” in the media regarding Indians with the Russian Army seeking help for discharge.
On being asked about India’s position on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaiswal reiterated that both sides should come together and find a peaceful solution to the conflict.
“Our position is very well known. We’ve said this at the highest levels that India desires that there be discussion, that there be diplomacy, that there be constant engagement so that both sides can come together and find a solution for peace,” he said.
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