Delhi Customs Responds To Kashmiri Journalist’s Bag Checking Video, Says ‘Privileges Are Not Above Law’

In response to a viral video posted by Kashmiri journalist Yana Mir, depicting her bag being checked by customs officials upon arrival at the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport in Delhi, the Delhi Customs (Airport and General) asserted that routine bag scanning of international passengers is a standard procedure.

The journalist's video, shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), prompted a public discussion on the matter. However, the Delhi Customs defended their actions, emphasizing that all passengers, regardless of their background or status, are subject to standard security protocols.

In a statement posted on X in reply to Mir's video, Delhi Customs stated, "Bag scanning of international passengers is done routinely. While other passengers put their luggage inside the scanner without any fuss, Ms. Yana Mir felt needlessly offended. The staff remained courteous throughout. Privileges are not above the law. The footage tells the story."

This response from Delhi Customs underscores the importance of adhering to established security measures at airports and ensures that no individual is exempt from standard procedures, irrespective of their perceived privileges or background.

The Delhi Customs Department also shared the CCTV video footage to support its claim on the micro-blogging site X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Ms Yana Mir didn't cooperate at all when requested to get her bags scanned. Her luggage was ultimately picked up by airline staff and Customs officer for scanning as seen in the footage," Delhi Customs said.

"How I was welcomed back to India: Madam scan your bag, open your bag, why do you have Louis Vuitton shopping bags? Did you pay for them? Where are the bills???? "What Londoners think of me: INDIAN MEDIA WARRIOR. What Delhi customs thinks of me: Brand Smuggler," her post read.