The Hindu : National : Envoy Dogra's letter scurrilous: External Affairs Ministry

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 14, 2006

National

National

Envoy Dogra's letter scurrilous: External Affairs Ministry

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The External Affairs Ministry on Thursday described as "scurrilous" a letter written by India's High Commissioner to New Zealand, Harish Dogra, allegedly demanding the resignation of Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran.

Mr. Dogra, asked to return to New Delhi by the Ministry some time ago, has not complied with official instructions and is busy building up his case to stay on in New Zealand. The letter was leaked to a newspaper in New Zealand.

"Scurrilous material"

"Circulation of such scurrilous material is not becoming of a senior member of the Foreign Service. The Ministry will deal with the matter in accordance with its well-established procedures," its spokesman said. "Ever since you communicated the recall order, you have taken the cloak of secrecy to conceal your ill-advised and illegal actions," Mr. Dogra reportedly wrote. "Every time I have asked what I have done to merit this decision, I have received... a classified response to say the decision has been taken after careful consideration."

The Ministry decided to recall Mr. Dogra after several complaints were allegedly made against him.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail