New Delhi: Two young archers from Arunachal Pradesh, who were issued stapled Chinese visas, were prevented at the IGI Airport here from leaving for China on Thursday night to take part in the upcoming Youth World Archery Championship.
Immigration officials at the airport stopped Mihu Maselo and Yumi Sorang, who were the only two archers from Arunachal Pradesh in the 24-member squad, from boarding a China Southern Airlines flight to Guangzhou, scheduled to depart at 11:10pm, according to airport sources.
The remaining 22 members of the squad for the championship at Wuxi were allowed to take the flight leaving the two young archers distraught. The two, who are just 14 years old, have been lodged at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) Guest House.
India objects to issuance of stapled visas for any of its nationals wanting to proceed to China. China’s stapled visa policy has prevented residents from the border state of Aruanchal Pradesh from travelling to that country, making it a contentious issue in bilateral relations.
Archery Association of India President VK Malhotra told PTI that the Chinese Airlines Authorities disallowed the two archers from boarding the flight, saying they will not be allowed to enter China as they don’t have affixed visas in their passport.
“The Chinese embassy issued the stapled visa to the two Arunachal archers and they said there should not be any issue. But when they were to board the flight, the Chinese airlines authorities said the two archers will not be allowed to enter China by the immigration department there,” Malhotra said.
The practice of stapling the visas stems from China’s claim on most of Arunachal. (PTI)