Overview
- Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK-based Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh, says Shanghai immigration held her for about 18 hours after declaring her passport invalid because of her birthplace.
- She alleges officials mocked her, seized her passport, denied food and access to facilities, blocked her onward flight, and pressured her to buy a China Eastern ticket, causing financial loss.
- New Delhi filed a demarche in Beijing and Delhi on November 21 and says the Indian Consulate in Shanghai provided on-site assistance and helped secure her departure that night.
- India terms the grounds “ludicrous,” asserts Arunachal Pradesh is Indian territory, and argues the actions violated the Chicago and Montreal civil aviation conventions.
- China’s foreign ministry denies harassment or detainment, says procedures followed law and the airline offered rest and food, and reiterates its claim to the region it calls Zangnan; no compensation or disciplinary action has been announced.