Prema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian citizen originally from Rupa in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district, found herself at the center of a diplomatic storm when she was detained for 18 hours at Shanghai airport. The incident, which occurred during a layover on her journey from London to Japan, has sparked a strong reaction from India, underscoring the ongoing territorial tensions between India and China.
Thongdok, who has lived in the United Kingdom for the past 14 years and works in London’s financial services sector, reported that Chinese immigration officials stopped her, mocked her, and declared her Indian passport “invalid” after learning of her Arunachal Pradesh origin. This unexpected ordeal highlights the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding the region.
Detained and Mocked: The Incident at Shanghai
According to Thongdok, the trouble began when a female immigration officer singled her out from the queue, questioning the validity of her passport by stating, “Arunachal— not India, China-China. Your visa is not acceptable. Your passport is invalid.” Despite having transited through Shanghai without issues in the past, this time was different.
Thongdok recounted how officials mocked her, insisting that Arunachal Pradesh is part of China and suggesting she “apply for a Chinese passport.” The situation escalated as she was unable to contact her family for hours, and airline staff joined in the ridicule, pointing at her passport and laughing.
“Arunachal— not India, China-China. Your visa is not acceptable. Your passport is invalid.” – Chinese Immigration Officer
Eventually, Thongdok reached out to the Indian embassies in Shanghai and Beijing. Indian officials responded swiftly, arriving within an hour to provide assistance and food, ultimately resolving the situation and allowing her to continue her journey after the exhausting 18-hour ordeal.
India’s Diplomatic Response
In the wake of the incident, India lodged a strong protest with Beijing. Government sources quoted by PTI emphasized that Arunachal Pradesh is “indisputably” a part of India, and its residents are fully entitled to hold and use Indian passports. This diplomatic exchange underscores the enduring tensions over the region.
The episode comes against the backdrop of China’s repeated claims that Arunachal Pradesh is part of “South Tibet,” a position India consistently rejects. The Indian government maintains that the state is an integral and inseparable part of the country, a stance supported by international law and historical treaties.
Historical Context and Ongoing Tensions
The territorial dispute over Arunachal Pradesh has been a longstanding issue between India and China. The region, known for its strategic significance and rich cultural heritage, has been the subject of numerous diplomatic exchanges and military standoffs over the years.
Experts suggest that incidents like Thongdok’s detention are not isolated but part of a broader pattern of assertive Chinese diplomacy aimed at reinforcing its territorial claims. Such actions have often led to heightened tensions along the Indo-China border, with both nations maintaining a significant military presence in the region.
According to sources, “India reaffirmed that Arunachal Pradesh is ‘indisputably’ a part of India.”
Implications and Looking Ahead
The detention of Prema Wangjom Thongdok at Shanghai airport serves as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of Indo-China relations. As India continues to assert its sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh, the international community watches closely, aware that such disputes have the potential to escalate.
Moving forward, diplomatic engagement and dialogue remain crucial in addressing these complex issues. Both nations have much to gain from peaceful coexistence and cooperation, particularly in the realms of trade and regional security. However, the path to resolution is fraught with challenges, requiring careful navigation of historical grievances and national pride.
For Prema Wangjom Thongdok, the incident is a personal ordeal that underscores the broader geopolitical realities faced by individuals in disputed regions. As she continues her journey, her experience serves as a poignant illustration of the intersection between personal identity and international politics.
