Suriname Ambassador sans state security in Varanasi

Varanasi, Nov 2 (UNI) Ambassador of Suriname to India Krishna Dutt Baijnath, who arrived on a three-day visit here this evening has not been provided with state security given to diplomats.

''We had no prior knowledge of the visit of Suriname Ambassador here and it is just before Mr Baijnath's arrival here this evening that we were informed by Lucknow about the visit, alongwith directions to arrange necessary security to the visiting diplomat,'' Additional District Magistrate (Protocal) Anil Pandey said.

''In normal practice we are informed at least three days prior to the visit of any VIP, but in this case we got the information this evening only,'' he added.

When queried about as to when escorts will be provided to the dignitary, Mr Pandey said ''not before 0700 hrs tomorrow morning.'' The Suriname ambassador will attend several programmes in the city and adjoining Bhadohi and Sarnath during his stay. He attended a felicitation function at Padarkar Bhavan this evening just after his arrival from New Delhi.

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