US national deported from Delhi's IGI airport

A United States national was deported on his arrival at the IGI airport in New Delhi in the wee hours of Friday after he was found to have allegedly violated visa norms during his previous visit to the country. Airport sources said David Barsamian, a radio journalist, was deported back to his country by immigration authorities. Sources said Barsamian had reported on events in Jammu and Kashmir during his last visit to India and these reports were found to be "not based on facts".

They alleged that he violated his visa norms during his visit in 2009-10 by indulging in professional work while holding a tourist visa. He was thereafter put on a watch list by the immigration authorities in order to prevent his entry when he visits the country again.

Sources said Barsamian during his visit to Kashmir Valley had interactions with separatist leaders and also reported on the situation in the Kashmir valley. Barsamian is reported to have travelled extensively in connection with his work. He has been visiting India regularly and his friends said that he was at present learning "sitar".