London: Around 46 British MPs, including opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn, have signed a parliamentary motion asking Prime Minister David Cameron to raise human rights issues with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
“Given the UK’s so-called special relationship with India as declared by the Prime Minister, these concerns should be raised with the Indian government; and urges the Government to investigate the reports and raise concerns with the Indian government,” the motion says.
It also calls for the release of “multiple political prisoners” held by India and points out that Greenpeace activist Priya Pillai was banned from coming to Britain by Modi to address British MPs.
Corbyn was not in the royal gallery today when Prime Minister Modi addressed the MPs, but he will meet the Indian leader on Saturday, Guardian quoted Labour sources as saying.
The outspoken Labour leader will challenge Modi on the issue during their meeting, media reports said, citing party sources.
Other signatories of the motion include John McDonnell and Alex Salmond.
Also, over 200 prominent authors including Salman Rushdie had asked Cameron to raise the issue of “rising climate of fear” and “growing intolerance” in India with Modi, in second letter from the PEN International within a month.