A woman from Arunachal Pradesh, now living in the UK, recently faced a troubling ordeal at Shanghai airport. Prema Wangjom Thongdok was detained for nearly 18 hours after Chinese immigration officials claimed her Indian passport was “invalid.” The issue arose because her passport listed Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace, a region China controversially claims as part of its territory.
On November 21, while traveling from London to Japan, her three-hour layover turned nightmarish. Authorities insisted she accept their view of Arunachal Pradesh before allowing her any further processing. Thongdok shared her experience on social media, highlighting how she was confined in the transit area without proper food or facilities.
Despite having a valid visa for Japan, her passport was taken by officials. She struggled to reach the Indian consulate in Shanghai for assistance. Eventually, they helped her board a flight out of China. She described the detention as a direct insult to India’s sovereignty, urging New Delhi to address the matter firmly with Beijing.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of China’s long-standing claims over Arunachal Pradesh, which they refer to as ‘South Tibet.’ India has consistently rejected these claims, asserting the state’s integral status. Tensions have escalated in the past with China renaming villages in the area and issuing maps claiming Indian territory.
Historically, China’s use of “stapled visas” for Arunachal residents has strained relations. Such visas are seen as undermining India’s sovereignty, compelling protests from New Delhi. In fact, several athletes and officials have previously been denied entry into China for refusing these visas.
Experts note that incidents like Thongdok’s raise concerns about China extending its controversial policies to international transit points. This situation not only impacts travelers but also reflects broader geopolitical tensions between India and China.
The incident has garnered attention online, sparking outrage among users who advocate for greater awareness of these diplomatic issues. Public sentiment suggests a demand for accountability, with many calling for stronger action from the Indian government to protect its citizens.
As this situation unfolds, it highlights the complexities of international travel and the sensitive nature of territorial disputes. It begs the question of how nations can better navigate such challenges while ensuring the safety and dignity of their citizens abroad.
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ARUNACHAL, CHINA, ARUNACHAL PRADESH, INDIAN PASSPORT, ITANAGAR, "I WAS HELD AT SHANGHAI AIRPORT FOR OVER 18 HOURS ON 21ST NOVEMBER 2025
