US mulling immunity for Kamal Nath over riots case

The United States is still reviewing whether urban development minister Kamal Nath, who has been summoned by a New York court for his alleged role in the1984 anti-Sikh riots, can be given diplomatic immunity, as sought by India.

The Indian embassy is seeking diplomatic immunity for Nath. ''The immunity question remains under review here at the state department, and we have not made any determination at this point,'' spokesman Philip J Crowley told reporters Monday.

Nath has been summoned on 9 February by New York's Southern district court for a pre-trial conference, according to Gurpatwant S Pannun, legal advisor to Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), a US based human rights advocacy group, which filed a civil suit against him last April.

''We are following closely a civil complaint involving Minister Kamal Nath,'' Crowley said. ''There is still a legal process that is unfolding. It's unclear whether there's any live action against Minister Nath and what its content might be. I think the plaintiffs have until 9 February to file an amended complaint.''

Crawley clearly indicated that the US is not about to get into a diplomatic row with India, an increasingly important business partner. "As commerce minister and more recently as roads and highways minister, Kamal Nath has been a strong advocate and an important partner of the United States in deepening our trade and economic relationship.

"We look forward to continuing to work closely with him in his new capacity as minister for urban development, particularly as we seek explore opportunities to develop new partnerships between our countries' cities," the official said.