Separate visa: Another Kashmiri scholar stopped from visiting China

JAMMU - An associate professor of Kashmir University, who has been bestowed the prestigious Kasumigaura International Award for his research work on Himalayan lakes, was stopped from travelling to China to receive the honour by immigration authorities in New Delhi,

Shakil A. Romshoo, who was chosen for the award for his research work on Pollution Modelling of Himalayan Lakes, was stopped by Indian immigration authorities at the Indira Gandhi International Airport Sunday as the visa granted by the Chinese Embassy did not give his nationality as an Indian, continuing the trend of China disputing the Indian citizenship of Kashmiris.

“I was offloaded from China Southern Airlines by immigration authorities. I could not make it to China to receive this award as China is disputing the citizenship of Kashmiris holding Indian passports and issues visas on a separate document that Indian immigration does not accept,” Romshoo said in a statement from New Delhi.

“The issue needs to be taken (up) strongly by India with Chinese authorities as it is a very serious matter. I was to receive a prestigious award, while it could be much worse to come for others…like the question of their career,” the academic added.

He was to be honoured with a cash prize, medal and citation during a special award ceremony Monday during the 13th World Lake Conference at Wuhan, China.

He had got invitations by the World Lake Organisation and the Japanese and the Chinese governments to be part of the conference at Wuhan where he would be felicitated.

Despite India’s protests, Chinese embassy officials say that the visas issued to Jammu and Kashmir citizens are correct and valid.

The tussle between China and India over the separate visas being issued to Kashmiris has been affecting business and career prospects of several Jammu and Kashmir citizens who are not allowed to travel to China for studies or business.

On Saturday, a Kashmiri urologist, headed to China for a conference, was also detained at the Delhi airport by immigration authorities but for allegedly tampering with his passport.

Saleem Wani told mediapersons that he had only removed the many stickers pasted on his passport after he had gone for Haj last year.