British MP who cirticised govt's decision on Art 370, denied entry to India, deported to Dubai
New Delhi/IBNS: A British MP, who had criticised the Centre's decision related to Article 370 in Kashmir, was stopped at the Delhi Airport on Monday and deported to Dubai.
Debbie Abrahams was not allowed entry into India.
On her arrival at the Delhi Airport, she was told that her e-visa had been rejected.
The chairperson of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Kashmir in Britain, Debbie Abrahams, said in a statement that she was "treated like a criminal".
According to government sources, Debbie Abrahams did not have a valid visa to visit India.
The British High Commission has said they have contacted the Indian authorities to understand why the MP was denied entry to India.
In a statement available with media, Abrahams said when she landed around 8.50 on Monday morning, the Delhi airport officials told her that the e-visa issued last October and valid until October 2020 had been rejected.
"Along with everyone else, I presented myself at the immigration desk with my documents including my e-visa, had my photograph taken and then the official looked at his screen and started shaking his head. Then he told me my visa was rejected, took my passport and disappeared for about 10 minutes," Abrahams said.
"When he came back he was very rude and aggressive, shouting at me to 'come with me'," said the British MP in a statement.
"I told him not to speak to me like that and was then taken to a cordoned off area marked as a Deportee Cell. He then ordered me to sit down and I refused. I didn't know what they might do or where else they may take me, so I wanted people to see me," he said.
"Even the person who seemed to be in charge said he didn't know and was really sorry about what had happened. So now I am just waiting to be deported... unless the Indian Government has a change of heart," she said.
"I'm prepared to let the fact that I've been treated like a criminal go, and I hope they will let me visit my family and friends," Abrahams said.
Why did the Indian Government revoke my visa AFTER it was granted? Why didn't they let me get a 'visa on arrival'? Is it because I have been critical of the Indian Government on #Kashmir human rights issues? https://t.co/aNhvFpc10D
— Debbie Abrahams (@Debbie_abrahams) February 17, 2020
Just to be clear, I have Indian relatives who I was meant to be visiting with & have Indian members of staff accompanying me. The reason I got into politics is advance social justice & human rights FOR ALL. I will continue to challenge my own Government & others on these issues.
— Debbie Abrahams (@Debbie_abrahams) February 17, 2020
Earlier, she had posted a letter which she wrote on Aug 5 last year, the day the government ended special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and imposed several stringent restrictions.
In her letter to the Indian envoy in UK, Abrahams had then expressed grave concern over the government's decision,
She had often shared several posts being critical of the Kashmir decision.
Image Credit: Debbie Abrahams Twitter Page
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