 Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh yesterday expressed "deep concern" and "regret" over the US decision not to grant a visa to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. "Our government has clearly pointed out our very deep concern and regret over the US decision to deny a visa to a constitutionally elected chief minister of a state of our union," Manmohan Singh said in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of parliament. "I share the concern that has been expressed in this matter on all sides of the House. When I came to know of the denial of visa to Modi yesterday, I immediately instructed our external affairs ministry to call the US ambassador and explain to them that we are greatly concerned and we greatly regret the decision that has been taken by the United States government." Modi was denied a visa on Friday on grounds of "serious violation of religious freedom", a reference to the alleged complicity of his government in the communal violence in Gujarat in 2002 in which hundreds of Muslims were killed.
| A concept called "even-handedness", something not known in most parts of Asia. |
Said Manmohan Singh: "The government has taken note of developments arising from the decision of the government of the United States of America to deny the request of Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi for a government visa. Honourable members of this august House would be aware of the fact that our foreign secretary yesterday summoned the deputy chief of the US mission in New Delhi to convey strong demarche on the decision of the US government.
| I'll meet your demarche and raise you strongly worded message of condemnation. |
"We have observed that this uncalled for decision (can) be traced to a lack of sensitivity and due courtesy to an elected authority. "The United States government has been clearly told of our concern at this development. We have also called for the urgent reconsideration of this decision by the US government." |