Behave like a guest, Centre tells Taslima

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said that everyone is welcome to stay in India provided they remain within their limits.

‘Everyone is welcome to stay in the country provided they remain within their limits,’ was External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee’s comment on controversial Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen’s return to New Delhi after a gap of four months.

The Central Govt said that the controversial Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin will be allowed to stay in the country only as a guest and has to follow all the rules of the state.

Mukherjee, who was asked for his comments by journalists, also said as External Affairs Minister it was not possible for him keep track of such matters.

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He was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an awards presentation ceremony organised by EEPC India.

Nasreen returned to Delhi on Friday and her visa is valid till August 12. She has been requesting for permanent residentship in the country but the government has not taken any decision on the issue.

She had been dramatically bundled out of Kolkata in November, 2007 and left India on March 18 for Sweden after she was kept in safe house in the national capital for more than four months. She is a Swedish passport holder.