A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity... India Bans Departure of Photojournalist Aiming for Pulitzer Prize

Sanna Irshad Mattoo from Kashmir Selected as Pulitzer Prize Feature Photography Winner This Year
Journalists Operating in Kashmir, a Disputed Region between India and Pakistan, Under Intense Surveillance

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] A photojournalist from Kashmir, India, was stopped at Delhi airport while trying to leave the country to receive the Pulitzer Prize.

According to foreign media including AFP on the 19th (local time), Indian authorities banned photojournalist Sanna Irshad Mattu from departing on a flight to the United States at New Delhi International Airport on the 17th.

Mattu, affiliated with Reuters, was selected as the winner of the Pulitzer Prize in the Feature Photography category this year. The Pulitzer Prize is a prestigious journalism award given to individuals who have made the highest contributions in American newspaper journalism, literary achievements, and distinguished musical composition.

Through social media the day before, Mattu said, "Attending the award ceremony is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me," and added, "Despite having a valid US visa and airline ticket, I was stopped at the departure gate at Delhi airport."

Front and back of the medal awarded to Pulitzer Prize winners. Photo by AP and Yonhap News

Mattu was also unable to pass airport departure screening when trying to leave for Paris, France, in July. At that time, he appealed, "I contacted several officials afterward but received no response."

Mattu has been reporting from Srinagar in Indian-administered Kashmir. India has recently been closely monitoring journalists operating in Kashmir, a disputed region with Pakistan. Authorities are sensitive to reports related to Kashmir or mentions in the international community.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.