Pem Wang Thongdok, an Indian national from Arunachal Pradesh residing in the United Kingdom, recently faced distressing treatment at Shanghai airport during a layover while travelling from London to Japan. Chinese immigration officials reportedly refused to recognize her Indian passport, claiming that Arunachal Pradesh belongs to China. She was held for over 18 hours, with officials labeling her Indian visa as invalid, leaving her both confused and harassed.
The incident highlights the longstanding and sensitive territorial dispute between India and China over Arunachal Pradesh. China claims the region as part of South Tibet and has taken steps such as renaming multiple places in Arunachal Pradesh to assert its claim. India firmly rejects these assertions, maintaining that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of its territory—a stance reiterated by the Ministry of External Affairs in response to China’s recent renaming actions.
Thongdok took to social media to bring attention to her predicament, tagging Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, and seeking clarification on her citizenship status amid the diplomatic tension. Her posts spotlight the personal impact of geopolitical disputes on citizens caught in the crossfire.
Also Read: Arunachal IAS Officer Held After Teen’s Suicide Note Accuses Him of Rape and HIV Infection
The Indian government has yet to issue an official statement on this specific episode, but it continues to firmly oppose China’s territorial claims on Arunachal Pradesh. This episode underscores the ongoing challenges in India-China relations, where cartographic claims and national sovereignty remain highly sensitive issues, affecting individuals on the ground amid broader diplomatic tensions.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complex realities faced by people from disputed border regions and reinforces the importance of diplomatic engagement to manage sensitive cross-border issues peacefully.
Also Read: Delhi Class 10 Boy Dies by Suicide, Note Blames Teachers for Harassment