Arunachal MPs protest issue of stapled visas to archers by China, say 'we are Indians'

Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Takam Sanjoy has raised objections to China issuing stapled visas to the archers of his state, saying Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.

Two women archers from Arunachal Pradesh have been stopped from going to China for a world championship, after Beijing issued them stapled visas as a mark that the border state was a 'disputed region'.

"In connection with the stapled visa, the Government of India should be very clear, and should continue having dialogues with China. Hence, whichever visa is used for other states in the country, the same visas should be used for Arunachal Pradesh, as we are a part of India. No need for India to accept stapled visas," said Sanjoy.

"We are Indians, and no force in the world can separate us, may be the roots are different, but still we are a part of this country," he added on an emotional note.

Arunachal East Lok Sabha MP and Minister of State for Minority Affairs Ninong Ering echoing similar sentiments on the issue called for boycotting cross border relations with China.

"If this goes on, we must boycott cross border relations with China. We want to have friendship, better trade relations with China, but that doesn't mean they have claim over us," he said.

Mihu Maselo and Yumi Sorang, the only two from Arunachal Pradesh in the 24-member archery squad, were stopped from boarding last night's China Southern Airlines flight to Guangzhou for the Youth World Archery Championship at Wuxi.

According to reports, the airlines told the archers from Arunachal Pradesh they would not be allowed to enter China without a proper visa on their passports, and refused to accept the stapled visas issued by the Chinese Embassy.