Northeast Desk, 30th April: The Arunachal Olympic Association (AOA) has taken a proactive step to tackle the longstanding issue of China’s issuance of stapled visas to residents of Arunachal Pradesh. In a letter addressed to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), AOA Secretary-General Bamang Tago highlighted the adverse impact on athletes from the state and urged IOA President PT Usha to intervene.
The practice of issuing stapled visas by the Chinese embassy to Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh dates back to 1981, exclusively targeting residents of this particular Indian state. Tago emphasized the discriminatory nature of this policy, which creates a barrier for Arunachali athletes to participate in sports events held in China, unlike residents of other Indian states.
Tago pointed out the increasing prominence of China as a host for international sports events and highlighted the continued deprivation faced by Arunachali sportspersons due to the issuance of invalid stapled visas. These visas are not recognized by India, posing challenges for Arunachali athletes in participating in events hosted by China.
Referring to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Tago stressed the right of individuals to equal treatment without discrimination based on nationality or territorial status. He called for a resolution to the issue through diplomatic channels, citing confidence-building measures agreed upon between India and China in 1993, 1996, and 2005.
The AOA’s representation to the IOA underscores the urgency of addressing the issue to ensure the participation of Arunachali athletes in international sports events without hindrance. The call for intervention aims to safeguard the rights and opportunities of sportspersons from the region, highlighting the importance of resolving the issue for the broader sports community in India.