The Hindu : National : Narendra Modi still on U.S. negative list

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Narendra Modi still on U.S. negative list

But Gujarat says he has not applied for visa

WASHINGTON: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, to whom the United States refused a visa in 2005, continues to be on its negative list and may not be given entry permit again if he applies.

“The Department of State is extremely sensitive to your concerns and we are cognizant of the human rights abuses Modi has committed,” Mathew Reynolds, Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs, has said in a letter to an activist group.

No application pending

“We have thoroughly searched Department records and located no current non-immigrant visa applications for Modi. However, should we receive an application, we assure you it will be adjudicated in strict accordance with the Immigration and Naturalisation Act.”

Mr. Reynolds’ reply has been circulated by the CAG, a diverse spectrum of groups and individuals in the U.S. and Canada who have come together in response to the Gujarat 2002 riots to demand justice.

In 2005, the U.S. State Department rejected his application for a visa for attending a conference of non-resident Gujaratis. The refusal triggered a controversy with the BJP strongly criticising the action. The current campaign against Mr. Modi gained ground against the backdrop of reports that he was planning to visit the U.S. for attending a three-day World Gujarati Conference. However, the Gujarat government said he had not applied for a U.S. visa, nor did he plan to go that country.

Commenting on Mr. Reynolds’ letter, Hyder Khan of the CAG said: “The current response from the State Department has virtually made Narendra Modi persona non grata to the U.S.”

It has pointed out that 32 lawmakers have so far written letters to the Department expressing concern over human rights abuses in Gujarat and seeking denial of a visa to Mr. Modi. — PTI

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