December 10, 2009 2:21 PM

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Visa rules for US visitors may be changed; Chargesheet in 26/11 likely in4-6 weeks

Visa regulations for American tourists wishing to visit India may soon be changed requiring them to take a 60-day break between each exit from India and re-entry. Indian security agencies are said to have pushed for the break following revelations about the activities of David Headley, the US citizen with alleged links with the Lashkar-e-Tayyeba, who was arrested in October. Investigations have shown that Headley was in and out of India repeatedly using tourist visas for two years before the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai last year, during which he recced many of the spots attacked by the terrorists. Details of precisely which categories of tourists will be affected, are not yet clear.<br/> <br/>Meanwhile, Home Secretary G K Pillai has said that the probe in the 26/11 case will be completed within four to six weeks by the National Investigation Agency and a chargesheet will be filed after that. Speaking to media at New Delhi at the sidelines of a Defence Exhibition, Mr Pillai also said that FBI is cooperating and will respond to a list of questions given by the Home Ministry.<br/> <br/>The Federal Bureau of investigation (FBI) has charge sheeted David Headley, a US national of pakistani origin with six counts of conspiracy to bomb places in India and Denmark and for providing material support to terrorist plots. Asked if India would seek access from the United States to David Headley, Mr. Pillai said, once NIA files the chargesheet, India will definitely be seeking access both for interrogation and a subsequent stage for his extradition.<br/><br/><br/>

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