Backing Dias’ assertion that her journalism visa wasn’t renewed because, as she was told by the govt, her reporting on the Sikh separatist movement had “crossed a line”, the journalists in a letter called upon the Indian govt to facilitate the vital work of a free press in line with India’s traditions.
“Foreign journalists in India have grappled with increased restrictions on visas and journalism permits for those holding the status of Overseas Citizen of India. The circumstances of Ms Dias’s departure are further cause for concern,” they said in an open letter, in which they also registered a strong protest against how Dias was treated.
Govt sources had responded to Dias on Tuesday by claiming her contention that she was not allowed to cover elections and was compelled to leave the country is not correct, misleading and mischievous. They said her visa had been renewed two days before her departure, while also accusing her of violating visa rules while undertaking her “professional pursuits”.
The journalists said in their letter, however, that though her visa was extended for two months just before her departure, she was told that she would not receive accreditation to cover the elections. “Thus, though not technically expelling her, Indian authorities have effectively pushed out a foreign correspondent on the eve of an election that the govt describes as the largest democratic exercise in the world”.
“Ms Dias, who has covered India since January 2022, left the country on Friday, the first day of the election. She departed after the govt told her that her reporting on the Sikh separatist movement (reporting that has since been blocked in India) had “crossed a line” and they would not renew her journalism visa,” read the letter. Indian govt sources had also said that Dias had actually left for personal reasons and because she wanted to take up a new job offer. On Wednesday, The Australia Today said in a report Dias had returned “driven by a new professional opportunity and personal milestone, rather than any alleged intimidation by the Indian govt”.