In an attempt to make its position clear on Taslima Nasreen?s stay in India, the government on Wednesday said, the writer would continue to get shelter here but at the same time cautioned her to refrain from any activity that might hurt sentiments of the people of the country.
Reading from a written statement in the Lok Sabha, external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee said, ??Throughout history, India has never refused shelter to those who have come and sought our protection. And, this civilisational heritage will continue, and India will provide shelter to Taslima.??
In response to the repeated demands from the Opposition NDA to know whether Nasreen would be asked to leave the country, Mukherjee said the ?guests?, in India are provided protection by the Union and state governments. ??This policy will also apply in Taslima?s case,?? he said. He also pointed out that those who have been granted shelter here have ??always undertaken to eschew political activities in India or any action which may harm India’s relations with friendly countries??.
Meanwhile rubbishing the government?s position on the issue as ?meaningless?, the BJP dubbed the minister’s statement as ?incomplete?. The statement failed to mention about her ?forced eviction? from West Bengal, the party said. ??The statement is incomplete and meaningless….The government should make it clear that she should not be asked to leave and allowed to stay wherever she wants,?? he added.