IIT-B may withdraw invite to Pak students

In the backdrop of rising tensions between India and Pakistan, students and the management at Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B) have been reconsidering the decision to accommodate Pakistani students who had registered for its renowned science and technology festival Techfest. The festival will be held in December.

Four Pakistani students who are participating in the festival have re-confirmed that they have no problem visiting India, but the organising committee, which comprises students and the management, has cited security-related issues as the reason for re-considering allowing Pakistani students to take part in the event.

“We are having internal discussions with the management on whether or not to go ahead with inviting Pakistani students for the festival We are soon going to take a second call on the invitation,” said Techfest coordinator Shubham Tibrewal.

In the past few days, rising tensions between the two countries at the border have created a storm, with Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leaders warning Pakistani artistes and actors to leave India within 48 hours.

Students claim that two years ago a band from Pakistan was invited for the festival, but it was not able to perform due to fear of the crowds. “We will take a second call only after having discussions with the institute and, if required, at the government level,” said Mr Tibrewal.