Anxious Taslima awaits visa extension

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Express news service

Posted online: Thursday , February 14, 2008 at 02:23:35
Updated: Thursday , February 14, 2008 at 02:42:00

New Delhi, February 13 Controversial Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen is spending some anxious moments as the Government takes a formal decision on whether she can stay on in India.

There is no official word yet on extension of her visa — the last extension ends on February 17.

The past few days have, however, seen indications that the visa could eventually be extended by another six months, subject to conditions, like the author ‘respecting the sentiments’ of people here.

Taslima had to leave Kolkata on November 22 after violent protests against her writings by a Muslim group.

She first went to Jaipur but was brought to the Capital after a few days since the state Government feared protests.

She was put up at Rajasthan House in Delhi as a guest of the state Government.

After criticism of its inaction on the matter — the state Government approached the Union Home Ministry over the issue — the Centre took over her security.

Operatives of the Intelligence Bureau whisked her away from Rajasthan House late on November 26.

Taslima, who has been kept at an undisclosed location here, has expressed her desire to return to Kolkata but apprehensions have been expressed about her security there.

There are restrictions on her movement and she has been kept away from public glare to prevent protests from fundamentalists.

But rights groups have been critical of the Government for keeping her in virtual confinement and have been appealing that she be allowed to move freely.

Taslima was forced to flee Bangladesh after a huge outcry against her book Lajja and is now a Swedish national.

She has been in India—mostly in Kolkata—for most of the past few years.

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