'Expedite decision on asylum plea'

NEW DELHI, JUNE 14. The Pakistani writer, Mr. Aftab Hussain, today urged the Indian Government to take a final decision on his plea for political asylum rather than keep him on an extended visa, as it did not allow him to concentrate on his literary pursuit.

After being granted an extension of visa till July 31, Mr. Hussain said, ``my fate is hanging in balance... Let them (Government) now finally decide about me.'' The 38-year-old poet said he wanted to remain in the country as the cultural and historical ties between India and Pakistan remained unsnapped despite the partition. Extension of visa was not what he wanted.

``The Ministry of External Affairs officials asked me to apply (for it) saying the Government needed more time to consider my plea for asylum.'' Several Indian writers had also written ``request letters to the Prime Minister, Mr. A. B. Vajpayee, and the Home Minister, Mr. L. K. Advani, for a favourable response to my plea for political asylum... But a reply is still awaited.''

About his family, Mr. Hussain said,``if I am granted an asylum, then I would bring in my family also. India would have no problem in giving them visa.''

- PTI

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Section  : National
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