Washington: The US State Department on Thursday reminded India that “respect for freedom of the press” is a cornerstone of its relationship with Washington.
“Yes, we are aware of reports of Ms. Mattu being barred from traveling to the United States and are closely tracking these developments. We remain committed to supporting press freedom,” State Department Principal Deputy Spokesman Vedant Patel told the press. said during the briefing.
The official said that US Secretary of State Anthony Blanken noted that the foundation of US-India relations is a “shared commitment to democratic values, including respect for freedom of the press”.
When asked if the US had raised the matter with the Indian foreign ministry, Patel said he was not aware of it and could not discuss any “diplomatic engagements” on the matter.
This is the second time I have been stopped without reason or cause. Despite reaching out to several officials after what happened few months ago but I never received ay response.
— Sanna Irshad Mattoo (@mattoosanna) October 18, 2022
Being able to attend the award ceremony was a once in a lifetime opportunity for me.
India Stopped Kashmiri Photographer from Going to US.
Earlier this week, Indian authorities barred award-winning photographer Sana Irshad Mattoo from traveling to the United States to accept her Pulitzer Prize, making her the latest of several Kashmiri journalists to be barred from leaving the country. .
Mateo was one of four journalists working for Reuters news agency to win the prestigious award for feature photography this year.
The 28-year-old won accolades for documenting life in India’s illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).
Mattu was stopped by immigration officials at the New Delhi airport late on Tuesday and prevented from boarding while his two companions were allowed to leave the country.
