NEW DELHI: The Minister of State for External Affairs, RL Bhatia, has sought to play down the issue of whether there had been breach of protocol at the recent Pakistan Day celebrations at the Pakistan High Commission here but was categorical that no disrespect was shown to him there.
Responding to expression of anger in the Rajya Sabha from members from all aides over the reported snub of the High Commission to him by not giving him a scat at the function. Bhatia maintained that there was no seating arrangement for anybody. He said he had stayed there for a short time talking to the American Ambassador, Frank Wisner, and left for the Prime Minister’s residence.
Ahluwalia said the incident at the Pakistan High Commissioner was an insult to the 90 crore Indians. He alleged that from the day Khokar took over as High Commissioner, activities of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence had increased in India. He urged the Government to view the incident seriously and ask Islamabad to withdraw Khokar.
His party colleague, Iqbal Singh said. We do not share Razil’s views Khokar should be summoned by the External Affairs Ministry and demanded.” Digvijay Singh (JD-S) felt that Bhatia should not have attended the function knowing fully well who all had been invited there.
Article extracted from this publication >> April 7, 1995
