According to Xinhua General Overseas News Service, the Indian parliament approved on 12 May 1993 a six month extension of the presidential rule in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh formerly ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) (12 May 1993). According to an article published in The Guardian, presidential rule was first imposed in those states following the destruction of the Ayodhya mosque by Hindu mobs in December 1992 and a third extension would be difficult to implement (12 May 1993). State elections are to take place in these four states by the end of November 1993 (The Guardian 31 May 1993; UPI 25 Sept. 1993).

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

The Guardian [London]. 31 May 1993. BC Cycle. John Retti. "Village Gesture Leaves Congress Looking Wet." (NEXIS)

United Press International (UPI). 25 September 1993. BC Cycle. "New Local Elections in Four Indian States." (NEXIS)

The Xinhua General News Service [Beijing]. 12 May 1993. President's Rule Extended in Four Indian States." (NEXIS)

The Guardian [London]. 31 May 1993. BC Cycle. John Retti. "Village Gesture Leaves Congress Looking Wet." (NEXIS)

United Press International (UPI). 25 September 1993. BC Cycle. "New Local Elections in Four Indian States." (NEXIS)

The Xinhua General News Service [Beijing]. 12 May 1993. President's Rule Extended in Four Indian States." (NEXIS)