Guwahati (Assam) [India], September 22, 2023: Deputy Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Numal Momin, expressed strong condemnation for China’s refusal to grant regular visas to athletes from Arunachal Pradesh who were set to participate in the Asian Games. Momin raised concerns about what he described as China’s “evil design” against northeastern states.
In his statement to the media, Momin emphasized that China has a history of acting against India’s interests, and this recent denial of visas to athletes from Arunachal Pradesh appears to be another attempt to undermine India’s position. He reaffirmed that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and that the people of northeastern India stand firmly in support of their fellow citizens in Arunachal Pradesh. Momin expressed confidence in the Indian government, particularly Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to counter any such threats from China.
The controversy arose when two Wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh, Onilu Tega and Mepung Lamgu, who had received approval from the Hangzhou Asian Games 2023 Organizing Committee, were unable to download their accreditation cards, which are essential for entry into China. Another athlete, Nyeman Wangsu, who managed to download her accreditation, was informed that she would not be allowed to proceed beyond Hong Kong.
In response to these developments, India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced the cancellation of Sports Minister Anurag Thakur’s visit to the games as a mark of protest. The ministry expressed strong objections to the discriminatory treatment meted out to Indian sportspersons from Arunachal Pradesh by the Chinese authorities and affirmed India’s right to take suitable measures to safeguard its interests.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who also hails from Arunachal Pradesh, criticized China’s decision to deny regular visas to the athletes. He argued that such actions violate the spirit of sportsmanship and the rules governing the conduct of the Asian Games, which explicitly prohibit discrimination against competitors from member states. Rijiju further asserted that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and urged the International Olympic Committee to address China’s actions.
The situation has sparked outrage and calls for international intervention to address China’s actions, which are viewed as illegitimate and unfair by various quarters.
