Arunachal Woman Faces 18-Hour Harassment at Shanghai Airport
India has officially registered a strong diplomatic protest with China following a disturbing incident involving a woman from Arunachal Pradesh who was detained and harassed at Shanghai airport for more than 18 hours. The episode has ignited fresh tensions between the two neighboring nations and raised serious concerns about China's continued refusal to acknowledge Indian sovereignty over Arunachal Pradesh.
The Harrowing Ordeal of Prema Thongdok
According to the victim, Prema Thongdok, Chinese immigration officials at Shanghai airport subjected her to extensive questioning and detention starting from November 26, 2025. During her 18-hour ordeal, the officials repeatedly challenged the validity of her Indian passport, making the astonishing claim that her documentation was invalid because "Arunachal is not in India."
The officials allegedly refused to recognize Thongdok as an Indian citizen despite her presenting valid travel documents issued by the Government of India. This prolonged detention left the Arunachal Pradesh native stranded at the international transit facility without proper facilities or clear communication about her status.
China's Controversial Stance and India's Response
Adding fuel to an already volatile situation, the Chinese foreign ministry doubled down on the controversial position taken by their immigration officials. In statements following the incident, Chinese authorities reiterated their longstanding claim that Arunachal Pradesh is 'illegally' established by India, effectively supporting the actions taken against Thongdok at Shanghai airport.
The Indian government has responded with strong diplomatic protests, condemning both the treatment of its citizen and China's continued territorial claims over Indian territory. This incident represents yet another flashpoint in the complex relationship between the two Asian giants, who share a disputed border spanning thousands of kilometers.
This is not the first time Chinese authorities have targeted passengers from Arunachal Pradesh. Residents of the northeastern state have frequently reported difficulties during transit through Chinese airports, with officials sometimes refusing to stamp Indian passports or issuing separate stapled visas to circumvent acknowledging Indian sovereignty.
Broader Implications for India-China Relations
The detention of Prema Thongdok comes at a sensitive time in India-China relations, which have been strained since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash that resulted in casualties on both sides. The incident highlights several critical issues:
- China's continued refusal to recognize Arunachal Pradesh as integral territory of India
- The harassment faced by Indian citizens from border regions when traveling internationally
- The ongoing diplomatic challenges in managing the complex India-China relationship
- The need for clearer protocols to protect Indian citizens facing such situations abroad
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has assured that they are providing all necessary assistance to Thongdok and working to ensure such incidents don't recur. However, with China maintaining its territorial claims, similar confrontations appear likely unless diplomatic mechanisms can establish clearer understandings regarding the treatment of citizens from disputed regions.
