An Indian woman born in Arunachal Pradesh, Prema Wangjom Thongdok, has alleged that she was detained for nearly 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong International Airport after Chinese immigration officials refused to accept her Indian passport, claiming it was “invalid” because her birthplace was listed as Arunachal Pradesh.
The woman, who was travelling from London to Japan on November 21, said she was stopped during transit and prevented from boarding her onward flight. According to her account, immigration personnel insisted that “Arunachal Pradesh is part of China” and therefore her Indian passport could not be recognised. She claimed officials confiscated her passport, restricted her movement within the airport, and denied her food and access to basic facilities.
Stranded in the transit area, she was eventually able to contact the Indian Consulate in Shanghai through a friend. She was released only after prolonged questioning and after arranging a new flight.
The incident has raised concerns over the treatment of Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh abroad, especially in regions where China asserts territorial claims. It has also renewed calls for diplomatic intervention to ensure the safety and dignity of Indian travellers.
