Date:03/01/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/01/03/stories/2003010305010100.htm

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Asma Jehangir denied visa

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD Jan. 2. The Pakistan delegation to the Asian Social Forum here led by Asma Jehangir, leading women's and human rights activist, has been denied visa by India. This was announced by Nirmala Deshpande, Gandhian and Sarvodaya leader, at the opening plenary of the ASF.

The announcement was greeted with a chorus of "shame, shame'', by a large number of delegates. A disappointed Ms. Deshpande said the Pakistani delegates would not be able to come as they had been denied visas by India. She expressed the hope that the people's voice would reach the powers that be in Delhi and it would be forced not to repeat it.