Against the backdrop of raging controversy over Bangladeshi novelist Taslima Nasreen's stay in India, the government on Wednesday said she would continue to get shelter here, but was expected to refrain from any activity that may hurt sentiments of the people of the country.
Making a statement in the Lok Sabha, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said "throughout history, India has never refused shelter to those who have come and sought our protection".
He said the "civilisational heritage, which is now government policy, will continue, and India will provide shelter" to Nasreen.
Mukherjee, who made the statement amid demands that Nasreen be asked to leave the country, said the "guests" in India are provided protection by the Union and state governments.
"This policy will also apply in Taslima Nasreen's case," the minister said as he noted the issue related to the Bangladeshi author had attracted "considerable public attention" in recent days.
At the same time, he pointed out that those who have been granted shelter here have "always undertaken to eschew political activities in India" or any action which may harm India's relations with friendly countries.
"It is also expected that the guests will refrain from activities and expressions that may hurt the sentiments of our people".
Mukherjee's statement came as Nasreen continued to be at an undisclosed place under the custody of the Central government after being hounded out of West Bengal and shifted from Rajasthan.
Nasreen has been in India for the last 15 years after fundamentalists issued death threats against her in Bangladesh, claiming that her book Lajja was blasphemous. Fundamentalists in West Bengal have been demanding her exit from India and a protest against her in the state last week led to widespread violence.
As soon as the minister concluded his statement, the BJP members were on their feet asking the government to state where Nasreen was and whether she was safe.
