New Delhi has sought a factual report from Indian consulate in Chicago following reports that the visa papers of two terror suspect David Coleman Headley and Tahawwur Rana were missing. Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao told reporters in New Delhi that the paper on the basis of which the two terror suspect were issued visa by Indian Consulate, may have gone mysteriously missing.<br/><br/>American national of Pakistani origin Headley and Canadian-Pakistani Rana, both arrested by FBI for plotting terror attacks in India, travelled to this country on multi-entry visas issued by the Indian mission. The visas were issued at the discretion of the Consul General in Chicago.<br/><br/>She said that although the FBI has provided information about terror suspects, Headley and Rana, New Delhi would like to have access to them to unravel the conspiracy in terror attacks. Speaking to media in New Delhi yesterday, the Foreign Secretary, Mrs.Nirupama Rao, expressed satisfaction at the cooperation extended by the US agencies to Indian authorities on the issue. She however, evaded a direct reply to the reports that Headley was a double agent for the US. The External Affairs Minister also said that New Delhi is awaiting for further information on the two terror suspect from the US.<br/><br/>In reply to a question about the whereabouts of the ULFA military chief, Paresh Baruah, Mrs. Rao said that there is no confirmation of his presence in Mynmar. She said Myanmar had assured India that they would not allow their territory to use for activities against India.<br/> <br/>Meanwhile, opposition members in the Rajya Sabha today expressed grave concern over the developments involving David Coleman Headley and asked the government to come out with a statement. Raising the issue during the question hour, Mr. Arun Jaitley, Leader of the Opposition, wanted to know the kind of cooperation being extended by FBI to Indian authorities in this regard. Mr. Amar Singh of Samajwadi Party demanded that Headley be handed over to India. Mrs. Brinda Karat of CPIM also expressed concern over the matter. The Chairman Mohd. Hamid Ansari said that the Government will respond on the matter at an appropriate time.<br/> <br/><br/>
News On AIR | December 17, 2009 11:56 AM
New Delhi seeks factual report from Indian Consulate on missing visa papers of David, Rana