INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
re-entry into India recently for allegedly violating visa rules
Cathal McNaughton, chief photographer at news agency Reuters' Delhi office, was recently sent back from the New Delhi airport after his
arrival from an overseas trip.McNaughton, who won the Pulitzer Prize in May 2018, allegedly travelled to restricted and protected areas in
Jammu and Kashmir without permission
He also reported from the state without valid permission.Mr McNaughton, an Irish national, wrote on Instagram three days ago, "2018 has been
From winning the Pulitzer to being denied entry back into India
The frigid cold of the Pyeonchang Winter Olympics to the stifling heat of the Asian Games in Jakarta Over the next few days I'll be sharing
some highlights and lowlights."The action against him is not permanent and can be reviewed after six months or a year, a home ministry
official told TheIndianSubcontinent."Everybody has to follow law
For violation, the consequence is the same for everybody
Foreigners should respect Indian law
If any Indian visits abroad and violates the law of that country, he or she is also liable to be punished," the official said."He may be a
winner of some awards, but that does not give him the licence to violate Indian laws
The Ministry of External Affairs regularly informs foreign journalists about Indian rules and regulations
And in certain places, a foreigner is required to take permission
If you violate these rules and regulations, we are bound to take action," the official was quoted as saying by news agency PTI."If somebody
is denied entry, it does not mean that he is blacklisted forever
It may be reviewed after six months or one year," he said.Another official said foreign correspondents also require prior approval from the
home ministry to film in restricted and protected areas such as border districts, defence installations and other places of strategic
importance, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.According to visa rules for foreign journalists, "A foreign journalist, TV cameraperson
etc, including a foreign journalist already based in India, who desires to visit a restricted or protected area or Jammu and Kashmir or the
North Eastern States, should apply for a special permit through the Ministry of External Affairs (External Publicity Division)".Under normal
circumstances, India grants foreign journalists visas for up to three months
In rare cases, a six-month journalist visa, with a single or double entry, can be issued.The home ministry and the foreign ministry have
also held discussions to review protocols on foreign journalists
protected under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.The restricted areas are, Arunachal Pradesh, parts of Himachal Pradesh, parts
of Jammu and Kashmir, parts of Rajasthan, all of Sikkim and parts of Uttarakhand.(With inputs from PTI)
