India Stands Firm on Arunachal Pradesh Amid Detention Incident
Recently, India firmly rejected China’s response regarding the detention of Pema Wang Thongdok, an Indian from Arunachal Pradesh, at a Shanghai airport. This situation has brought the sensitive status of Arunachal Pradesh into the spotlight, with India reaffirming that the state is an undeniable part of the country.
On November 21, Thongdok was detained for 18 hours during her transit after Chinese officials questioned the validity of her Indian passport, solely because her birthplace is Arunachal Pradesh. Thongdok shared her experience on social media, stating that her passport was deemed invalid as the officials claimed Arunachal Pradesh is Chinese territory.
China’s foreign ministry dismissed the allegations, stating their actions complied with regulations and made further claims over Arunachal Pradesh. However, India’s External Affairs Ministry stood firmly by its stance. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that no amount of denial would change the reality of Arunachal Pradesh being part of India.
Jaiswal highlighted that the Indian government has taken strong measures, pursuing the matter with China’s officials. He pointed out that such actions violated several international conventions concerning air travel and even went against China’s own regulations that permit visa-free transit for up to 24 hours.
This incident reflects ongoing tensions surrounding Arunachal Pradesh, a region frequently at the center of India-China disputes. Historically, this area has been contentious, with China claiming it based on historical maps, while India maintains its sovereignty. Recent trends on social media indicate that users are rallying behind Thongdok, sharing hashtags and opinions condemning China’s actions.
In the larger context, China’s approach towards Arunachal Pradesh could impact diplomatic relations with India. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, public opinion in India remains largely unfavorable towards China, with 64% of Indians expressing concerns about China’s influence in South Asia. This incident may further strain these relations.
As the story unfolds, both governments will likely continue addressing these challenges. The outcome will depend not only on diplomatic channels but also on public sentiment in both countries.
For more on this topic, check out this report on India-China relations for a broader understanding of the tensions involved.
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INDIA CHINA TIES, MEA ON ARUNACHAL, ARUNACHAL PRADESH IS AN INTEGRAL AND INALIENABLE PART OF INDIA: MEA
