Chidambaram intervenes in nun issue

New Delhi, Jul 26: Home Minister P Chidambaram today (Jul 26) intervened to restore visa "without limit of time" for British-born Catholic nun Jacqueline Jean McEwan, known as Sister Jean, in Bangalore and making it clear that she can stay in India as long as she likes.

The notice (for her to leave India) issued by the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO) was a mistake, presumably based on the ground that complete documents had not been submitted, Chidambaram told PTI.

He intervened today and directed issue of visa "without limit of time".

"Orders are being issued today. She can stay as long as she likes," he said.

Sister Jean is popularly known as Mother Teresa of Sumanahalli. She has been running a mobile clinic for leprosy patients since 1982 and has been a resident of Bangalore since then by renewing her visa every year.

She was recently asked to leave on the ground that she did not possess a valid visa.

PTI