Overview
- Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK-based Indian from Arunachal Pradesh, says Shanghai immigration deemed her passport invalid due to her birthplace and held her in transit for about 18 hours.
- India lodged a formal protest in Beijing and New Delhi and asserted Arunachal Pradesh is indisputably Indian territory under which residents travel on Indian passports.
- The Indian consulate in Shanghai intervened at the airport and helped secure her departure after she alleged mocking by officials, confiscation of her passport, and blocked onward travel.
- China’s Foreign Ministry said no compulsory measures or harassment occurred and that authorities followed regulations, with the airline providing rest, food, and drink.
- New Delhi argues the episode contravenes the Chicago and Montreal Conventions and revives concerns tied to China’s stance on Arunachal, including past practices that affected travel.