Kashmiri Activist, Who Gave 'I’m Not Malala’ Speech In UK Parliament, Alleges Harassment At Delhi Airport; Customs Reacts

Kashmiri activist and journalist Yana Mir, whose ‘I am not Malala’ video recently went viral, on Monday claimed she was harassed by the customs officials at the Delhi Airport, a claim denied by the authorities.

In a social media post, Mir, who returned from London, said that her luggage was left open by the authorities and scanned as if “she was a brand smuggler.”

“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,” wrote Mir alongside a video she shared from the airport.

Mir had recently made headlines for her fiery speech in the British Parliament building, where she said, “I am not a Malala Yousafzai because I will never have to run away from my home country.”

“Why are you making me do this at 5 in the morning? Have you told them (your team) what I have done and come? This is embarrassing for me,” Mir can be heard saying in the video.

The activist also claimed that she was being charged ‘duty’ for empty Louis Vuitton bags and was also asked to present bills for the same. Mir also said that her luggage was personally checked by the officials as if she were a drug peddler.

Privileges Not Above Law: How Custom Dept Reacted to Claims

In response, Delhi Customs shared footage on X claiming that Yana Mir’s bags were scanned as per norms for international passengers.

“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 post read.

The customs officials further alleged that Mir failed to cooperate in the process after the staff requested a baggage scan.

“Her luggage was ultimately picked up by airline staff and Customs officer for scanning as seen in the footage,” the customs department said on the allegations.