The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Bengaluru): Nitasha Kaul, a professor specializing in politics and international relations at the University of Westminster in London, faced an unexpected turn of events during her recent visit to Bengaluru. Kaul, who was scheduled to speak at a conference titled ‘Constitution and Democracy’, was denied entry into India and deported back to London.
Kaul, born in Gorakhpur and of Kashmiri Pandit descent, landed in Bengaluru on February 23, only to be restricted from leaving the airport. Despite possessing a valid UK passport, an official invitation from the Karnataka government, and necessary travel documents, she encountered an unanticipated refusal from immigration authorities. The explanation given to her was vague, with officials merely stating they were acting on “orders from Delhi.”
During her prolonged and distressing wait at the airport, Kaul described her conditions as less than humane. She was kept under constant surveillance in a holding area with limited space, facing difficulties in accessing basic amenities like food, water, a pillow, and a blanket. This ordeal lasted for about 24 hours until she could board the next British Airways flight back to London.
In a detailed account shared on social media, Kaul expressed her dismay and confusion over the incident. She speculated that her previous criticisms of the RSS, a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization, might have played a role in her deportation. Kaul, a frequent traveler to India, emphasized her commitment to democratic values and the rule of law, asserting that she is not anti-India but anti-authoritarian.
The incident takes on a deeper significance considering Kaul’s academic background and her outspoken stance on various political issues. She recounted experiences of intimidation and threats, including instances where her elderly mother in India was harassed due to Kaul’s work. Furthermore, she has faced cancellations of scheduled talks and undue pressure from Indian officials during her international engagements.
Her ordeal at Bengaluru airport not only highlights the complexities faced by diaspora academics but also underscores the tension between state policies and individual freedoms. The incident, occurring against the backdrop of a conference on the Constitution and Democracy, ironically contradicts the very principles the event aimed to discuss. Kaul’s experience serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by those who voice their opinions in an increasingly polarized world.
