Two Chinese-origin US nationals make illegal stay in Sikkim, pushed back from Rangpo

GANGTOK, : Two Chinese-origin US nationals violated Sikkim laws by sneaking into Sikkim before they were found staying in Rumtek and pushed back from Rangpo checkpost on March 9 by the authorities here.

According to sources, the two Chinese-origin US nationals, aged 56 and 31, were pushed back from Rangpo checkpost on February 14 itself after the two women failed to produce MHA clearance to enter Sikkim. They proceeded to Kalimpong and returned to Sikkim on February 20, this time avoiding the checkpost at Rangpo.

Subsequently it came to the notice of the FRRO Sikkim that the two US nationals were residing at the house of their relative in Rumtek, who is a teacher in Rumtek Gumpa. Both the women were seen attending the Tibetan Losar festival at Rumtek monastery, informed the sources.

The two US nationals had entered Sikkim not only without prior MHA clearance, but also without procuring Restricted Area Permit (RAP), it was informed.

Foreign nationals of Chinese origin fall under the Prior Reference Category, who by law have to obtain prior approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India before applying for a RAP.

The FRRO and Sikkim Police took immediate action on the blatant violation of Sikkimese law by the two Chinese origin US nationals.Both were questioned by FRRO and Sikkim Police at Rangpo Police Station on March 9 and thereafter pushed back from Rangpo check post, it was informed.

Authorities said it was an intentional violation of laws in collusion with a relative living in Rumtek.

Sikkim being a border State, all of Sikkim society including the hosts of such foreign nationals should cooperate with law enforcement agencies in preventing and reporting such illegal entries of foreign nationals in Sikkim, it was appealed.