Leading artists today welcomed the conferment of Qatar nationality on M F Hussain. He has been living in self-imposed exile abroad for nearly four years following a spate of legal cases in the country over his controversial paintings of Hindu goddesses.Describing 95-year-old Hussain as a true Karma Yogi, painter Anjoli Ila Menon said, that's a great honour for him. Referring to the controversy over his work, she said all that the government had do to is to assure security to him. Noted filmmaker Shyam Benegal said he would not blame Hussain if he accepts Qatar's nationality as he has been treated so shabbily in our country. He is a living treasure and certainly the most celebrated Indian contemporary artist. Hussain went in exile after a hate campaign was launched against him in 2006 over his controversial paintings.Appreciating Qatar's decision, Akhil Sibal, the lawyer of Hussain, said wherever Hussain goes he is welcomed with open arms by head of states.Replying to a question on return of veteran artist M F Hussain to India, Mr Tewari said that the government will provide all protection to him if he comes to India. He however added that Mr Hussain himself will decide where he wants to stay. The issue of return of M F Hussain emerged after reports of him getting citizenship of Qatar.