Two Chinese-origin US nationals were deported twice from Sikkim after illegally entering the state without the mandatory Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) clearance. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) and Sikkim Police swiftly acted against the violation, underscoring the need for tighter border security.
The duo, a 56-year-old woman and 31-year-old Tenzin Choeney, were first denied entry at Karma Dolma Rangpo Checkpost on February 14 for failing to produce Prior Reference Category (PRC) approval required for Chinese-origin foreign nationals. They were sent back and proceeded to Kalimpong.
Despite this, on February 20, they illegally re-entered Sikkim by bypassing the Rangpo Checkpost. They stayed with a relative, a teacher at Rumtek Gumpa, and attended the Tibetan Losar festival at Rumtek Monastery.
Upon discovering their unauthorized presence, Sikkim Police and FRRO took immediate action, detaining them at Rangpo Police Station on March 9 before deporting them once again.
While the authorities responded effectively, the incident has exposed serious security lapses at Rangpo Checkpost, raising concerns over intelligence failures. Given Sikkim’s strategic border location, officials have urged vigilance, emphasizing the responsibility of locals in reporting foreign nationals residing without proper documentation.
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