Norwegian journalist Hel Long has been denied entry to India despite holding a valid visa. The revocation of the visa of the journalist, who had questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sparked outrage among sections of Indian civil society, including Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra.

Allegation of visa revocation

In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, November 11, Hel Long, a journalist with the Norwegian daily newspaper 'Dagsavisen', said he was scheduled to travel to India to speak at the 'India Summit' in Hyderabad on the future of media and press freedom. However, his visa was revoked at the last moment on the orders of "higher authorities" in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Origin of the controversy

The controversy stems from a video statement Hel Long had posted on his X handle, in which he had questioned Prime Minister Modi. It is believed that his visa was revoked in connection with that video. The incident has prompted strong reactions on social media, with Mahua Moitra and others expressing their anger.

Reactions and next steps

No official statement has yet been issued by India's Ministry of Home Affairs or the Ministry of External Affairs regarding the matter. The visa revocation has raised fresh questions about press freedom in India. Discussions are underway about possible legal action from Hel Long's side regarding the incident.