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Time reporter `let off'

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI JUNE 24. The India-based correspondent of Time magazine, Alex Perry, whose report on the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, sparked a controversy, was questioned today by immigration officers for the second time in the last four days. However, before letting him go from the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) here after a ten-minute questioning, the officials told him that, as a "matter of courtesy'', he should inform the office as and when he leaves the country.

Mr. Perry, who was questioned by K. S. Bains and P. K. Bhardwaj, Joint and Deputy Directors at the Immigration Department, appears to have been let off for the time being. His lawyer said Mr. Perry was told by the officials that he was not required by them for the "time being''. It seems Mr. Perry was summoned today to be questioned regarding his three passports. He reportedly told them that the passports were part of continuing travel documents and this could be verified from the British officials concerned. He also handed over a letter from the British High Commission certifying that he held a valid passport.

Mr. Perry was appreciative of the "Indian democracy''. He told newsmen that "it is unlike other Asian countries where you write anything against the Government and you are kicked out.'' Asked whether he intended to leave the country, he said "no, not at all. I am highly impressed with the Indian democracy.'' Immigration officials had not imposed restrictions on his movement.

He declined to answer the question whether the treatment meted out to him was "unfair''. "I will not like to comment on this but yet I am happy that the basic ethos of democracy flourish in this country''.

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