MEA officers were quick to distance themselves from the impending decision, saying the Home Ministry was the agency involved and that they were “not kept in the loop”. On the other hand, Home officials said Isa had applied for an e-tourist visa online, and since his name did not come up in the blacklist on a computerised system, his application was granted. They said it was only when reports saying Isa was travelling to India to attend a conference came up, did the Home Ministry “realise” his visit was not for tourism purposes and cancelled the visa.
Isa is the leader of the World Uighur Congress and was invited to a conference being organised by the US-based Initiatives for China. Uighurs and other Chinese dissidents in exile are expected to be in attendance and discuss the democratic transformation in China. The leader's visa was withdrawn just days after China lodged official protests through diplomatic channels and reminded Delhi about the “red corner notice” on him. Sources reported that New Delhi was reminded India may find itself in a “tough spot” as the Chinese will make it a major bilateral issue. While no direct threats were issued, the Chinese did hint that Beijing may raise the issue of India allowing a “terrorist” to come and attend a conference. Indian officials said India does not want to be seen as a country “harbouring” and giving “safe passage” to individuals who are considered “terrorists”. “Isa applied for an e-tourist visa, but attending a conference is not permitted on that. Tourism, casual business visit, casual medical visit and casual meeting with friends are the only things permitted under such a visa,” a senior Home Ministry official said.
Isa said, “I don’t know the exact reason for my visa being cancelled. I just received a very short message in the evening saying it has been cancelled… I don’t know the position of the Indian authorities, but as you know the Chinese government protested after I got a visa from India. They were very unhappy, and maybe this is one reason. I could not get any written statement or any unofficial or official reason sent to me. But the main reason, I think, is the Chinese pressure.”
