I felt a wave of disgust

The Independent's Arpan Rai tells of her anger after being barred from covering a Taliban leader's visit to India

- Arpan Rai

When a “former” UN-sanctioned terrorist comes to your city for a hush-hush visit - complete with red carpet treatment and a tour of the Taj Mahal - it makes for one hell of a story. Even more so when he’s part of a regime that oppresses millions of girls and women, preventing them from acquiring an education and having access to even the most basic human rights.

So, on hearing that Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban's so-called "foreign minister", was set to arrive in New Delhi, India, this week, I couldn't resist the chance to quiz him over his antiquated and abhorrent views.

Little did I know what was in store.

Trying to secure an interview in the weeks leading up to his visit got me nowhere. Good morning texts to Indian authorities asking about details of his arrival were met with monosyllabic "nopes".

"I really want to cover this visit, even if an interview isn't possible."

Two minutes later, "Nope."

"Nothing at all?" I asked.

"Nothing at all," was the reply.

"How could an off-the-record chat over coffee harm someone who has handled suicide bombers, ended Nato's rule in Afghanistan and led the jihad against American invasion?" I thought. I am still stumped.