Centre refuses to allow foreign media to cover Dalai visit

GUWAHATI: In the latest twist to the Dalai Lama’s visit to Tawang, the Centre has refused permission to the foreign media to cover the much-hyped event in Arunachal Pradesh, a state that China claims as its own.

The Union government on Thursday revoked its earlier permission given to four foreign correspondents, including two journalists from the Associated Press (AP), besides cancelling fresh permits. The two AP journalists, who landed at Guwahati airport on Thursday, were not allowed to proceed to the Himalayan state to cover the Tibetan spiritual leader’s visit to the monastery town. Government officials told them to return.

Confirming this, an AP spokesperson in New Delhi said their correspondents were asked to return to the Capital and not to proceed to Tawang. She, however, refused to disclose names of two other foreign journalists whose permits were cancelled. ‘‘I can confirm this much only. I cannot give you exact details of what happened,’’ she added. The AP spokesperson quoted president of New Delhi-based Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Heather Timmons, saying on Thursday, ‘‘We are surprised and disappointed to learn that reporters’ visas to Arunachal Pradesh have been cancelled ahead of the Dalai Lama’s visit.’’

Central officials in Guwahati and Delhi were unavailable for comments. The chief minister’s office in Itanagar said it was unaware of the ‘‘incident’’. An official said, ‘‘Any decision on travel by foreigners is taken by the MHA.’’

Foreigners are required to obtain Restricted Area Permits (RAP) from the Government of India to visit Arunachal Pradesh. According to RAP rules, foreign tourists can visit the state in a group of two or more and the permit for stay is up to 30 days. Foreigners can obtain RAP from Indian missions abroad, foreigners’ regional registration officers (FRROs) in New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, chief immigration officers, Union home ministry and Arunachal government’s home commissioner.

Even Indian citizens from other states also require Inner Line Permit to visit the northeastern state. Arunachal government issues the ILP from its offices located in different parts of the country. Indian journalists based in New Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati were seen proceeding towards Tawang on Thursday.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Centre-refuses-to-allow-foreign-media-to-cover-Dalai-visit/articleshow/5201613.cms