Women's forum urges Centre to extend visa to Taslima

Kozhikode, Nov 27 (UNI) NISA, a Progressive Muslim Women's Forum in Kerala, today urged the Union Government to extend visa to self-exiled Bangaladeshi author Taslima Nasreen beyond February 2008.

Addressing a press conference here, its President V P Suhara said it was the responsibility of the government to extend visa and provide protection to a person who sought political assylum in the country.

But the so callled secular government, which promised protection to religious minorities and women in the country, seems to be shying away from its responsibility by frequently shifting her to various places after the recent attack on her, for political reasons, she alleged.

To deliberate on the issue, NISA would hold a discussion here on December 1, in which many public figures, including rights' activists and writers would participate, she added.

UNI