Kashmiri journalist and activist Yana Mir, who recently made headlines for her comments about feeling free and safe in India, reported harassment upon her return from London at Delhi airport. Yana experienced a disagreement with customs officials over empty Louis Vuitton shopping bags in her luggage. She claimed the officials were acting as if she were a smuggler and argued that their checks should be conducted more respectfully. This confrontation caused a stir on social media, with opinions divided on whether the customs officials were exceeding their remit or simply doing their job.
Previously, Yana Mir’s statements regarding her security in India as opposed to Malala Yousafzai’s plight in Pakistan garnered widespread attention. Speaking at the British Parliament, Yana highlighted her sense of safety in Kashmir, pushing back against narratives of oppression and calling for an end to religious polarization within India. Her statements at the event, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Study Centre UK, were part of a broader effort to promote understanding of the region’s diverse socio-cultural and political dynamics.
Yana’s activism has earned her the Diversity Ambassador Award, acknowledging her efforts in championing diversity in Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, she emphasized the positive developments in the region post the revocation of Article 370, including enhanced security and government initiatives. Her outspoken views have also covered topics like the hijab and environmental issues. She has criticized both extremes of the dress code debate and expressed personal grief over the environmental impact of stubble burning, which she believes contributed to her father’s respiratory issues. Yana Mir continues to be a vocal figure in addressing key issues affecting both her region and India at large.