NEW DELHI, Nov 28: India on Wednesday offered to give shelter to hounded Bangladeshi feminist writer Taslima Nasrin but also issued a gag order that aims to curb her ability to write freely.

In the backdrop of raging controversy over Nasrin’s stay in India, the government told parliament that she will continue to get shelter here but was expected to refrain from “any activity that may hurt sentiments of the people of the country.”

Making a statement in the Lok Sabha, Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee said: “Throughout history, India has never refused shelter to those who have come and sought our protection.” He said the “civilisational heritage, which is now government policy, will continue, and India will provide shelter” to Ms Nasreen.

Mr Mukherjee, who made the statement amid demands by rightwing Muslim groups that Nasreen be asked to leave the country, said the “guests” in India are provided protection by the federal and state governments.

“This policy will also apply in Taslima Nasrin’s case,” he said. He noted the issue related to the Bangladeshi author had attracted “considerable public attention” in recent days.

At the same time, he pointed out that those who have been granted shelter here have “always undertaken to eschew political activities in India or any action which may harm India’s relations with friendly countries.

“It is also expected that the guests will refrain from activities and expressions that may hurt the sentiments of our people.”