Thursday, December 1 2005 16:40 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Nearly 40 Pakistani doctors were staying illegally in Indore city of Madhya Pradesh and continuing with their practice, a Congress member said in Rajya Sabha today (Dec 1, 2005) demanding strict action against them.

Raising the matter through special mention, P K Maheshwari, said these doctors had not acquired Indian citizenship and were illegally staying in India.

Brinda Karat Communist Party of India (CPI) Marxist (M) voiced anguish that despite repeal of POTA a large number of people continued to be detained under that law, which was a violation of civil liberties.

She said that a large number of people were still in custody despite the Central Review Committee having recommended that they be released.

Abu Asim Azmi of Samajwadi Party cautioned that over 17,000 buildings were in extreme dilapited conditions in Mumbai endangering the lives of more than 20 lakh residents.

He wanted the Government to take steps to rehabilitate these people and their premises repaired on 'war footing.'

Drawing attention of the House to World AIDS prevention day being celebrated worldwide, Motilal Vora of Congress said over 41,000 people were affected by the disease in the capital itself and Government should launch a big awareness programme to educate the people.