Australian journalist leaves India after govt refuses to extend work visa, says she 'crossed a line'
New Delhi (PTI): An Australian journalist on Tuesday claimed that she was forced to leave India after the government refused to extend her work visa contending that her reportage had "crossed a line".
Avani Dias, the South Asia Bureau Chief of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, said she had to leave India on April 19, the day the Lok Sabha elections started after the government objected to her reporting on the assassination of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
"Last week, I had to leave India abruptly. The Modi Government told me my visa extension would be denied, saying my reporting 'crossed a line'," Dias said on X.
"We were also told my election accreditation would not come through because of an Indian Ministry directive. We left on day one of voting in the national election in what Modi calls "the mother of democracy," said Dias, who had been working in India for the past two-and-a-half years.
She said after intervention from the Australian government, her visa was extended for two months which was conveyed "less than 24 hours before my flight".
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation said Dias was informed of the decision by an official from the Ministry of External Affairs, who said her most recent Foreign Correspondent episode "crossed a line".
ABC said YouTube has also blocked access in India to an episode of its news series Foreign Correspondent on the Nijjar killing.
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Dakshina Kannada DC declares holiday for schools, PU colleges on December 3
Mangaluru: Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan issued an order declaring holiday for schools and PU colleges on December 3.
This comes in the wake of a heavy rain forecast and an orange alert warning, owing to Cyclone Fengal issued by the Indian Meteorological Department on Monday.
According to the order, all Anganwadi centers, Government, Aided and Private Primary & High Schools, Pre-University Colleges (up to Class 12) will remain closed on Tuesday, December 3.
