TERROR-VISA TWO

The Consulate did not reply to e-mailed questions from
PTI about the revelations that have been made in the course of
internal inquiry. External Affairs Minister S M Krishna had
publicly stated that the issuance of the visas to the Rana duo
would be inquired into.

Both the visas were issued "under the discretion of the
Consul General" and the Home Ministry had maintained that it
was in violation of rules under which its clearance is
required for any person born in Pakistan. Rana was born in
Chichawatni while his wife was born in Bahawalpur.
Both the places are in Pakistan's Punjab province. The
two were exempted even from registering with the police if
their stay did not exceed 180 days.
Senior Government officials said there was a circular of
2004 under which the visa applications of people of Pakistan,
Iran and Bangladesh origin should be referred to Union Home
Ministry for clearance. However, the circular gave discretion
to ambassadors and consuls general to give visas to such
nationals which the Consular General in Chicago had utilised,
the sources said.
Rana and his wife arrived in Mumbai on November 12 last
year after which they travelled to Kochi in Kerala on November
16. More PTI SKL
DDC


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