New Delhi: Archery Association of India (AAI) on Friday denounced China for giving stapled visas to two archers from Arunachal Pradesh calling it as an affront to India’s sovereignty and integrity.

AAI president Vijay Kumar Malhotra said here that time and again China has indulged in such mischievous activities challenging the territorial integrity of India. Several times the Chinese embassy has issued stapled visas for Indian citizens hailing from Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh but “our Government’s reaction has always been very mute”

Prof Malhotra, who is also the acting president of Indian Olympic association (IOA) said but this time this action assumes significance because Prime minister Manmohan Singh is slated to visit China next week.

“What China wants to convey to the Indian Government just before the Prime Minister’s visit to Beijing” Prof Malhotra wanted to know..

Prof Malhotra demanded that External Affairs ministry should immediately seek clarification from the Chinese Embassy for not allowing two Indian archers to take part in the World Championship. “There has to be a measured and comprehensive response to these Chinese dirty tricks from Indian Government “

He said the Government should make it clear to China that it will no longer tolerate or take it lying down this “ Stapled Visas” business .

“We also have our national interests and our own policies, Prime Minister during his visit to Beijing should take up this issue very forcefully and tell the Chinese that their double speak on issues pertaining to Visas is not acceptable”

The Chinese embassy issued stapled visas to young archers Maselo Mihu and Sorang Yumi and because of that they could not a board a flight yesterday participate in the Youth World Archery Championship in Wuxi (China).

AAI had applied for visa for 24 archers and six officials. All of them were given proper visas except for these two archers.

Prof Malhotra said the Chinese have been playing ‘cat and mouse’ game with India. “Sometimes they issue proper Visas to the Indians from these states but when they want to force an issue or raise a dispute “they indulge in stapled Visa tactis”

He said most of the times Chinese have specifically singled out Indian sports persons for this treatment “It may be symbolic but it is very dangerous because this way they challenge the integrity of our country.”

“It is time for India to call off this Chinese bluff,” he added.