India says former Pak minister not deported

New Delhi, May 31 (UNI) India today denied that former Pakistan Minister and human rights activist Ansar Burney was deported when he entered New Delhi yesterday and ordered a probe into the incident.

Reacting to media reports that Mr Burney was deported when he entered New Delhi yesterday, the Home Ministry today said he was denied entry due to inadequate documentation. However, ''the inconvenience to Mr Burney was unfortunate and regrettable and he is always welcome to visit India.'' This has also been conveyed to Mr Burney by a senior officer of the Ministry who spoke to him today.

''On his arrival from Dubai at the IGI Airport, Mr Burney, was denied entry, and not deported, by the Immigration official on duty on account of inadequate documentation.'' The ministry said that it may be mentioned that no such difficulty had arisen when Mr Burney visited India in April 2008 when requisite information about his visit was available in advance.

Foreigners Regional Registration Office has already submitted its preliminary report to the Ministry. The report, sources indicate, claims that Mr Burney was deported as his papers were not in order.

Mr Burney, who was instrumental in having Indian prisoner Kashmir Singh released, had arrived to participate in an anti-terrorism conference involving both the countries in New Delhi.

He had arrived here from London via Dubai.

The home secretary met the foreign secretary today and discussesd the matter that is being seen as a major embarrassment for the government.

Mr Burney said he was not given any reason by the immigration officials but was told to go back to Dubai.

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