Prema Wangjom Thongdok, born in Arunachal Pradesh and currently residing in the United Kingdom, has made serious allegations against China. She claims that at Shanghai Pudong Airport, Chinese immigration officials refused to acknowledge her Indian passport, detaining her in a situation resembling custody for 18 hours.
On November 21, Prema was traveling from London to Japan with a three-hour transit stop in Shanghai, but officials at the immigration counter declared her passport 'invalid,' stating, "Arunachal Pradesh is part of China."
Furthermore, she alleged that several officials and staff from China Eastern Airlines mocked her, with some suggesting, "Why don't you apply for a Chinese passport?"
Harassment Under the Pretext of Transit
The issue that began under the guise of transit turned into hours of struggle. Prema claims that she was neither provided with adequate information, proper meals, nor access to basic airport amenities. Her passport was confiscated, and she was denied boarding on her flight to Japan, despite having a valid visa.
Due to being confined within the transit area, she couldn’t purchase a new ticket, buy food, or access other terminals. She also accused the officials of pressuring her to buy new tickets only from China Eastern, indicating that only then would her passport be returned. This resulted in significant financial losses as her flight, hotel, and all bookings were canceled.
Indian Officials Secure Passport Return
Eventually, with the assistance of a friend in the UK, she contacted the Indian Embassy. Indian officials reached the airport late at night, secured her passport, and facilitated her journey to Japan. She has filed a detailed complaint with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Ministry of External Affairs, and relevant authorities, describing this incident as a "direct insult to India's sovereignty and the dignity of the people of Arunachal."
Prema demands the Indian government address this issue with China, take action against the involved officials, and ensure that people from Arunachal Pradesh are safeguarded from such adversities in the future.
