A Kashmiri scholar known for her criticism of the Modi administration's policies has been denied entry into the country, stirring controversy.
Nitasha Kaul, an education expert, faced the ban upon arrival in India and was promptly returned to the UK.
The incident has reignited debates surrounding academic freedom and opposition to BJP ideologies within the nation.
Kaul, a Kashmiri Pandit and professor, had been invited to participate in the "Constitution and National Unity Convention 2024" by the Karnataka Congress govt.
However, she found herself detained at immigration for a staggering 24 hours without any explanation, according to BBC.
Expressing her frustration, Kaul condemned the treatment she received, stating, "I was denied entry into India for speaking out on democratic and constitutional values."
Immigration officials informally hinted that her social media criticism might have influenced their decision, Kaul revealed.
The Karnataka BJP swiftly labeled Kaul as an anti-Indian element and accused her of being part of the "Break India Brigade."
Citing Kaul's past writings, the BJP alleged her sympathies lay with Pakistan and that she had criticized certain Indian political ideologies.
Former Chief Minister of Occupied Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, stood in solidarity with Kaul, condemning what she called targeting based on ideological differences.
"In the past, figures like Arundhati Roy and Ashok Swain faced similar targeting," Mufti added.
The BJP criticized the Karnataka govt, led by the Congress party, for extending the invitation to Kaul, asserting that it posed a threat to India's unity and integrity.
