India claims Ansar Burney had inadequate travelling documents

Associated Press of Pakistan (31 May 2008)

NEW DELHI, May 31 (APP): India alleged Saturday that Ansar Burney, a former Pakistani minister for Human Rights, had inadequate travel documents and that he was denied entry because of this reason.

A press note issued by the Indian Home Affairs Minister said that Burney was denied entry and asserted that it was not a case of deportation.

Reports in the Indian media said that Burney was deported when he landed at the airport in New Delhi on Friday.

“It is clarified that on his arrival from Dubai at Indira Gandhi Airport on Friday evening Ansar Burney was denied entry, and not deported, by the Immigration official on duty on account of inadequate documentation.”

The press note further said that no such difficulty had arisen when Mr. Burney visited India in April, 2008 when requisite information about his visit was available in advance.

“The inconvenience to Burney is unfortunate and regrettable and he is always welcome to visit India. This has also been conveyed to him by a senior officer who spoke to Ansar Burney on Saturday,” the press note added.

Ansar Burney has said that he had valid SAARC visa issued to prominent persons when he landed at Delhi Airport.

Terming the press note issued by the Indian government in “bad taste,” Ansar Burney said he had the same documents that took him to India last week.

Media reports, giving his reaction on the press note from London, said he was deported and for that purpose he was made to sign papers. The Indian government should have come out with the truth now, he said.

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