Driving Naari Programme launched in Chandigarh
Chandigarh
In a relief to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), mainly Sikhs, who have taken asylum in foreign countries, India has directed all its missions abroad to abolish local blacklists. This will help the asylum-takers avail of consular services.
The development comes as campaigning in Punjab hots up. Abolition of the controversial blacklist has been high on the agenda of the diaspora since long. The blacklist is a legacy of terrorism days when many sought asylum abroad due to threat to life, or were blacklisted on suspicion of being Khalistan sympathisers.
Sukhi Chahal, chairman, Punjab Foundation USA, said he had been persistently working with MEA for issue of Indian passports and visa on compassionate grounds.
Circulated during the 2007 state elections, the blacklist was pruned to 56 by the UPA. The BJP claimed to have further pruned it.
