In a move being seen as a retaliatory measure after China blocked listing of Jaish-e-Muhammad chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist at the UN, India has issued a visa to a German-based Uyghur leader to visit Dharamsala for a conference later this month.
Dolkun Isa, a leader of the World Uyghur Congress, has been invited to a conference being organised by the US-based Initiatives for China.
Uyghurs and other Chinese dissidents in exile are expected to attend and discuss democratic transformation in China.
India’s decision evoked a reaction from Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying, who said, “What I want to point out is that Dolkun is a terrorist on red notice of the Interpol and Chinese police. Bringing him to justice is due obligation of relevant countries.”
India had recently also issued a visa to Baloch nationalist leader Naela Qadri Baloch, who lives in self-exile in Canada.
Top sources told The Indian Express that the decision to issue a visa to both leaders was taken at the “highest level”.
Sources said Indian ambassador in Canada Vishnu Prakash was told about the decision some weeks ago, while Indian envoy to Germany Gurjit Singh was told last week.
On China’s response, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, “We have seen media reports and the ministry is trying to ascertain facts.”
