flip flop

India takes a U-turn, withdraws visa granted to Uyghur 'terrorist' Dolkun Isa

Dolkun-Isa-reuters Rebel Uyghur leader Dolkun Isa

In the light of protest by China, India has withdrawn the visa that it had granted to Germany-based rebel Uyghur leader Dolkun Isa.

According to media reports, the home ministry has confirmed the news that Dolkun's visa has been withdrawn without giving reasons behind the government’s U-turn.

The latest developments comes couple of days after Dolkun was granted the visa by India to take part in the conference being organised by the US-based 'Initiatives for China'. Uyghurs and many other Chinese dissidents in exile are expected to attend and discuss democratic transformation in China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying, expressing displeasure over India's move, had said, "What I want to point out is that Dolkun is a terrorist in red notice of the Interpol and Chinese police. Bringing him to justice is due obligation of relevant countries."

Following China's protest, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Vikas Swarup on Friday said, We have seen the media reports and External Affairs Ministry is trying to ascertain the facts."

India granting the visa to Dolkun was seen as a retaliatory move after China thwarted India's bid to blacklist Jaish-e-Muhammad chief Masood Azhar at the United Nations.

Azhar was the mastermind behind the deadly terrorist attack at a defence air base in Punjab's Pathankot earlier this year.

Defending its position on the JeM chief issue, China had said that Azhar doesn't meet the criteria to be designated as a terrorist by the UN.

"Any listing would have to meet the requirements for blacklisting,” Chinese Permanent Representative to the UN Liu Jieyi had told reporters.

"We always deal with the listing issue (banning militant groups and their leaders) under the UN Security Council committee established under resolution 1267 based on facts and relevant rules of procedures in an objective and just manner," he added.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Topics : #India-China

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