Indian Citizen from Arunachal Humiliated at Shanghai Airport

In a deeply troubling episode that has sparked fresh diplomatic concern, an Indian citizen originally from Arunachal Pradesh was detained for more than 18 hours at Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport after Chinese immigration officials declared her Indian passport “invalid.” The case — now widely discussed as the Arunachal Indian passport incident — has raised serious questions about travel safety, official conduct, and China’s recurring claims over the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.

Prema Wangjom Thongdok, who has lived in the United Kingdom for nearly 14 years, was travelling from London Gatwick to Jinan with a scheduled layover in Shanghai when her ordeal began. She says the humiliation she endured at the airport is something no Indian citizen should ever face — especially not on the basis of their birthplace.

Indian passport: Singled Out at Immigration – “Arunachal Not India, China-China”

Recounting the events to ANI, Thongdok recalled how everything seemed normal until a Chinese immigration officer suddenly pulled her aside.

“I had crossed the e-gates and was waiting in line for my connecting flight,” she said. “One officer singled me out. When I asked what was happening, she just said, ‘Follow me.’ A few moments later she told me, ‘Arunachal — not India. China-China. Your visa not acceptable. Your passport invalid.’”

What followed, according to Thongdok, was a series of mocking remarks, dismissive laughter, and open ridicule from airport officials — all because her passport mentioned Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace.

“Apply for Chinese Passport, You Are Not Indian”

Thongdok alleges that Chinese immigration officers repeatedly mocked her Indian identity.

“They said, ‘Arunachal is not part of India,’” she recounted. “They laughed and told me I should apply for a Chinese passport because I was ‘Chinese, not Indian.’”

She added that both airport staff and airline personnel pointed at her passport and laughed, making the situation even more distressing.

What made matters worse was the inability to reach anyone for help. With WiFi disruptions and Google, WhatsApp, and key communication apps blocked in China, she was completely cut off.

Indian passport: Had Already Verified Transit With Chinese Embassy

Thongdok noted that she had taken every precaution before travelling. She had personally contacted the Chinese Embassy in London, where she was informed that no visa was required for her transit.

“I had even transited through Shanghai before without any problem,” she said. “This time was different — and humiliating.”

Indian Embassy Steps In After 18 Hours

The situation only eased after officials from the Indian Embassy in Shanghai and Beijing intervened and worked through the day to resolve the issue.

“They were the only ones who helped me,” she said. “Thanks to them, I finally got out of the airport around 10:30 PM.”

However, the emotional impact of the detention stays with her.

“We are part of India,” she said firmly. “We speak shuddh Hindi. We don’t understand a single word of Chinese. We are Indian — every bit of us.”

Calls for Diplomatic Action: “This Cannot Happen to Ordinary Citizens”

Upon returning, Thongdok wrote to top Indian authorities — including the MEA, PMO, the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, and the Foreign Secretary — urging them to take up the matter diplomatically.

“I don’t want another Indian citizen, especially from the Northeast, to be told they are not part of the country they belong to,” she said. “This is not something a normal citizen can resolve.”

She also believes the detention may have been a deliberate “weekend tactic” — a way to ensure delays because government offices would be closed.

“Keeping someone for so many hours… it feels like a hassle tactic. I’m sure many people from Arunachal Pradesh may face this.”

Appeal to the Government: “Take Strict Action”

Thongdok wants India to address this behaviour at the highest diplomatic level.

“I request the Government of India to take strict action against Chinese authorities,” she urged. “This shouldn’t happen to any Indian ever again.”

Before speaking to ANI, she had posted about her ordeal on X, tagging prominent leaders including Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who also hails from Arunachal Pradesh, and the PMO.

Her post read:
“I was held at Shanghai airport for over 18 hrs on 21st Nov 2025. China immigration called my Indian passport invalid because my birthplace is Arunachal Pradesh, which they claimed is Chinese territory.”