But their entry passes to Modi's event in Westminster never came.
Just days before his arrival NISAU had published a letter calling on the Indian PM to take urgent action to protect women following recent controversies. It had been signed by over 20 Indian student societies from across the UK. Clearly it irked the PM.
The incident illustrates the extent to which the ruling party of India will go stifle dissent, even among supporters.
The letter had gone out of its way to praise Modi, saying he had "not shied away from taking difficult decisions in the past" and that they were "preparing and eagerly looking forward" to his visit. It had been covered all over the Indian media.
But rather than debate the issue the students were simply denied the opportunity to meet him or ask questions.
Students in London who wanted to ask the PM questions on Kathua,confront the Indian Foreign Secretary at his press briefing, ask why they aren’t being allowed into PM’s event, is it because they want to ask on this.FS doesn’t answer,High Comm says don’t pre judge what PM may say
— Nidhi Razdan (@Nidhi) April 18, 2018
NISAU (UK) and other signatories also faced a strong barrage of criticism from Modi supporters for the letter.
In a follow-up release the union said it had faced a "concerted effort" to question the organisation's legitimacy and to pressure signatories to drop their support.
It also accused others of lying that signatures had been collected without consent.
Our signatories are been pressurised to retract and despite having confirmation, our delegates have NOT been send their tickets for #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath where PM @narendramodi is expected to respond to us.
— NISAU UK (@NISAU_UK) April 18, 2018
Why?
A non-political, humanitarian question deserves due answer. pic.twitter.com/YE2IF3Eol4
Its President Mohanish Borana confirmed being denied via Twitter:
Yes, unfortunately it is true 8/9 tickets to our team were denied despite prior confirmation. We, as #IndianStudents body, were looking to welcome Mr Modi as democratic head of India to UK. We were NOT part of any protesting group. It is unfortunate that we were not given entry.
— Mohanish S. Borana (@MohanishBorana) April 20, 2018
When the Indian Foreign Minister was asked about the denial by an NDTV journalist, he said: "This is a press conference about India-British relations and the Prime Minister's visit to Great Britain. These are not the questions I can answer."
The government of India has not responded to any further questions on the matter.
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