Why Was an Indian-Origin Woman Harassed at a Chinese Airport?
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Synopsis
An Indian-origin woman from Arunachal Pradesh faced harassment by Chinese immigration officers at Shanghai airport, leading to a distressing 18-hour ordeal. Her passport was rejected, and she was pressured to buy a new ticket. This incident raises serious concerns over the treatment of Indian citizens abroad and calls for action from the Indian government.
Key Takeaways
- Incident highlights issues of national sovereignty.
- Need for improved diplomatic relations with China.
- Importance of protecting Indian citizens abroad.
- Call for accountability from immigration and airline staff.
- Significant financial losses due to the incident.
Shanghai, Nov 24 (NationPress) An Indian-origin resident of the UK, hailing from Arunachal Pradesh, has accused Chinese immigration officials at Shanghai Pudong Airport of detaining and mistreating her for several hours after they refused to recognize her Indian passport during a layover. Prema Wangjom Thongdok, who was en route from London to Japan on November 21, reported that her transit stop, which was originally set for three hours, turned into an 18-hour ordeal after officials deemed her passport 'invalid' due to its listing of Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace.
She recounted that immigration officers told her, 'Arunachal Pradesh is part of China.' During her confinement, multiple staff members from the immigration department and China Eastern Airlines ridiculed her, laughed at her predicament, and even suggested that she 'apply for a Chinese passport.'
The situation, which was meant to be a standard transit, devolved into a prolonged detainment in the airport's transit area, where she alleged a lack of clear information, insufficient food, and limited access to basic amenities, as reported by NDTV.
Prema claimed that her passport was confiscated, and she was not allowed to board her subsequent flight to Japan, despite possessing a valid visa. Confined to the transit area, she was unable to rebook her tickets, purchase meals, or navigate between terminals.
She further alleged that officials pressured her into purchasing a new ticket strictly on China Eastern, insinuating that her passport would only be returned upon doing so, leading to significant financial losses from missed flights and hotel reservations.
After managing to contact the Indian Consulate in Shanghai through a friend in the UK, Indian officials intervened, facilitating her late-night departure from the city.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top officials, Prema characterized the incident as a 'direct insult to India's sovereignty and the citizens of Arunachal Pradesh.' She has called on the Indian government to address the issue with Beijing, demand accountability from the involved immigration and airline personnel, and seek compensation.
Additionally, she has requested assurances that Indians from Arunachal Pradesh will not encounter such challenges when traveling internationally in the future.
Point of View
It is essential to approach this incident with a balanced perspective, recognizing the implications for international relations while advocating for the rights of Indian citizens. This incident underscores the need for diplomatic engagement with China to ensure the safety and dignity of all Indians, especially from regions with complex geopolitical histories.
NationPress
24/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Prema Wangjom Thongdok at Shanghai Airport?
She was detained and harassed by Chinese immigration officials for hours after her Indian passport was deemed invalid due to her birthplace being listed as Arunachal Pradesh.
How long was Prema detained?
Her ordeal lasted 18 hours, extending far beyond her scheduled three-hour layover.
What did the immigration officials say about Arunachal Pradesh?
Officials claimed that Arunachal Pradesh is part of China.
What actions did Prema take to resolve the situation?
She contacted the Indian Consulate in Shanghai through a friend in the UK, leading to intervention by Indian officials.
What has Prema requested from the Indian government?
She has urged the government to demand accountability from the involved officials and seek compensation, as well as assurances for the future treatment of Indians from Arunachal Pradesh.
