Decision not to renew residence permit 'shocking': Taslima Nasrin

Exiled Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin today asked the Centre to reconsider its decision not to renew her residence permit beyond August this year, saying if she is not allowed to stay India she has "nowhere else to go"."I urge the government of India to reconsider its decision not to renew my residence permit beyond August. If I am not allowed to stay in India, I have nowhere else to go", Nasrin told PTI on phone.The writer said she has been conveyed in writing by the home ministry that her residence permit would not be renewed after the duration of her current visa expires.    "This is shocking to me. If I can't stay in India, where else do I go?" she said. The author recalled that union minister Pranab Mukherjee had in November 2007 told the Lok Sabha that "throughout history, India has never refused shelter to those who have come and sought our protection. This civilizational heritage, which is now government policy, will continue, and India will provide shelter to Ms. Nasreen".The Bangladeshi author, who recently came back to India to have her visa renewed, said given the "promise" made by Mukherjee, she expects the Indian government to renew her residence permit.Mukherjee had also said that "those who have been granted shelter here have always undertaken to eschew politicalactivities in India or any actions which may harm India'srelations with friendly countries. It is also expected thatthe guests will refrain from activities and expressions thatmay hurt the sentiments of our people".Nasrin, who has through her writings always championed the cause of women's rights and fought against religious obsurantism, said she always considered India as her "adoptedhome" and would like to stay in the country to continue towork.She said she expected her residence permit to be renewed in keeping with India's tradition of giving shelter to those who want to live here.