A recent incident involving Kashmiri journalist Yana Mir at the Delhi airport has sparked debate on social media this week. Mir, who recently delivered a speech in the UK Parliament criticizing Pakistan, was subjected to additional screening of her bags upon arriving back in India. Videos of the incident posted by Mir have since gone viral.
Speech Criticizing Pakistan Draws Praise
Earlier this month, Mir spoke at a Sankalp Divas event hosted by the UK Parliament in London. In her speech, she rejected comparisons to Malala Yousafzai, stating she felt “free and safe” as a Kashmiri woman in India.
Mir denounced Pakistan’s attempts to “dent India’s image on the international stage.” Her comments were praised by many as courageous.
TAKBEER!! https://t.co/ua4lS6gpVH
— Yana Mir (@MirYanaSY) February 22, 2024
Scrutiny From Airport Officials After Arrival
However, just days after the speech, Mir had a different experience upon returning home. At the New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport, she was asked by customs officials to have her bags scanned and opened for inspection.
In videos posted to social media, Mir alleged officials questioned her about carrying luxury goods without receipts. She accused staff of being rude and harassing her.
Customs Defends Screening Process
Delhi Customs has since responded that scanning of passenger bags is simply routine protocol. They stated Mir “felt needlessly offended” while staff remained courteous.
The department shared CCTV footage they claim shows Mir refusing to cooperate with scanning requests. They say privileges are not above the law.
Bag scanning of international passengers is done routinely. While other paxs put their luggage inside the scanner without any fuss
Ms. Yana Mir felt needlessly offended. Staff remained courteous throughout.Privileges are not above law. Footage tells the story. pic.twitter.com/vpwn4MMVQt— Delhi Customs (Airport & General) (@AirportGenCus) February 26, 2024
Also Read: 15 Killed After Tractor-Trolley Overturns Into Pond in Kasganj; CM Yogi Announces Compensation
Mir Fires Back at Claims
For her part, Mir maintains that the footage shows her complying with the scan request. She argues officials treated her in an arrogant, high-handed manner and did not assist with her heavy luggage.
The viral incident has sparked divisive debate online over protocol, privilege and patriotism. Both sides maintain CCTV footage supports their stance.
Some fools think im complaining bcoz of random checks at airport 😅
Been to Israel where checks are stricter, but here is the Israeli process:
1-Request the passenger to come on side
2-Bag is carried and opened by the checking officer himself/herself
3-Politely ask the passenger"…— Yana Mir (@MirYanaSY) February 26, 2024
I dont want special treatment.
But harassing citizens like this is dictatorial.
They need to be polite and ask if anything to declare, if very suspicious even after scanning then they shud be courteous, to open in the bag in closed area, not openly like this— Yana Mir (@MirYanaSY) February 26, 2024
As rhetoric escalates, experts caution that neither targeting nor exceptionalism should influence legal procedures at airports. The case remains a lightning rod for complex issues of nationalism and dissent surrounding Kashmir.
Also Read: PM Modi Unleashes Mega Railway Infrastructure Push, Signals New India’s Aspirations
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