WASHINGTON: American Muslims have welcomed while the Indian government and opposition condemned a US decision to refuse a visa to the Hindu-nationalist chief minister of Gujarat who is accused of complicity in a massacre of thousands of Muslims.

The US revoked the visa of Narendra Modi for alleged violation of religious freedom citing his role in 2002 Gujarat religious riots that left more than 2,000 people dead, mostly Muslims.

The government said the US move was “uncalled for” and “displays lack of courtesy” to an elected chief minister.

Modi said the US had “insulted” India by revoking his visa, and asked the federal government to take up the matter with the US authorities.

An embassy spokesman said Modi's request for a diplomatic visa to travel to the United States was denied on Friday and his existing tourist/business visa was revoked under a law that makes “any government official who was responsible for or directly carried out at any time, particularly severe violations of religious freedom, ineligible for a visa”.

The largest US Muslim civil liberties group welcomed the US decision.

“This case demonstrates what can be accomplished when Muslim, human rights and minority groups work together for a common purpose,” it said.

Earlier this week, two US congressmen introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives criticizing Modi's conduct during the 2002 Gujarat riots.

Congressmen John Conyers and Joe Pitts accused Modi of carrying out religious persecution against Muslims, Christians and indigenous tribals.