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Indian activist denied U.K. visa

LONDON: A left-wing Indian activist has been refused visa by the British High Commission in New Delhi to attend a conference to be held here on Saturday to mark the 150th anniversary of the 1857 revolt against the British raj.

Kavita Krishnan was reportedly told that the High Commission had doubts whether she would return after attending the conference.

The South Asia Solidarity Group, which is organising the conference, expressed shock and described it as racist.

In a statement, it said: “Ms. Krishnan is a well-known left activist and we had invited her as a keynote speaker to a conference marking the 150th anniversary of 1857 — ‘1857/2007 Imperialism, Race, Resistance’. In their refusal letter, the High Commission claims to doubt that Ms. Krishnan would return — despite her having produced a return ticket. This demonstrates the racism which is still inherent in the relations between Britain and India — whereas a British delegation wanting to celebrate and commemorate British victories in 1857 was welcomed to India.”

The conference is being attended by delegates from India and Pakistan.

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