‘Unacceptable’: India reacts to China issuing stapled visa to Arunachal players

By Rahul Gautam: In a late-night drama on Thursday, the Indian government asked its Wushu team, scheduled to leave for China to participate in the World University Games, not to board the flight. This decision came after three athletes from Arunachal Pradesh were handed stapled visas by the Chinese authorities.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India has already lodged its “strong protest” with the Chinese side on the matter. He said it has come to the government’s notice that stapled visas were issued to some Indian citizens who were to represent the country at an international sporting event in China.

“This is unacceptable and we have lodged our strong protest with the Chinese side reiterating our consistent position on the matter and India reserves the right to suitably respond to such actions,” Bagchi said.

Here’s what happened:

The issue arose after three athletes, all girls from Arunachal Pradesh, were handed stapled visa by the Chinese authorities. Issuance of stapled visa has been a bone of contention in India-Chine relationship. China, which has repeatedly made territorial claims to Arunachal Pradesh, has maintained its policy of issuing stapled visas, instead of stamped visas, to the residents of the northeastern state.

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The majority of the athletes were scheduled to leave last night, with the three Arunachal players to leave tonight due to delay in their visas.

However, miffed with the response from the Chinese authorities, the Indian government decided to prevent any member of the Wushu team from traveling to China for the Games. The flight was initially scheduled to depart at 1:05 am on Thursday morning. However, even after passing security clearance, the authorities instructed them to return home. Consequently, the athletes had to return home at 6 am.

As of now, the government has not made a final decision regarding the team’s participation in the Games.

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