950828

Expelled

from India

for criticising

on Kashmir

NEW DELHI: A Canadian student, who frequently criticised New Delhi for its military actions in Kashmir, has been expelled from India.

John Cockell, 27, a student at Jawaharlal Nehru University here, returned to Ottawa, Canada, on August 23, a newspaper report said on Monday.

According to reports in the Globe and Mail of Canada, Cockell was asked to leave India for his criticism of New Delhi's record in Indian-occupied Kashmir. He said "I know for sure Kashmir is the reason" for his expulsion, although they have not said anything.

Cockell had questioned New Delhi's claim of "a transparent policy on Kashmir" and added "what does that mean if a student cannot even go there?"

The paper said Cockell, who obtained his master degree in political science, had visited Kashmir in July and travelled to the charred township--- Charar-e-Sharif. During his visit he also interviewed some Kashmiri leaders, fighting for the right of self-determination.

Cockell has also written articles in which he criticised the Indian government and blamed it for a range of human rights abuses in Kashmir.-APP