ITANAGAR, Nov 25 :Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has strongly condemned the detention of Prema Wangjom Thongdok, an Arunachal native, at Shanghai Pudong Airport. He described the incident as unacceptable and appalling.
Thongdok, originally from Rupa in West Kameng district and currently based in the United Kingdom, was travelling from London to Tokyo via Shanghai on November 21, 2025. Chinese immigration officials allegedly refused to recognise her valid Indian passport and detained her for nearly 18 hours.
Expressing deep shock, Khandu said the ordeal amounted to humiliation and racial mockery. He reaffirmed that Arunachal Pradesh is, and will always remain, an integral part of India, adding that any insinuation otherwise is baseless and offensive.
The Chief Minister urged the Ministry of External Affairs to take up the matter with Chinese authorities to ensure such incidents are not repeated. He emphasised that the treatment of Indian citizens in transit must adhere to international norms and respect India’s sovereignty.
The incident highlights China’s longstanding refusal to recognise Arunachal Pradesh as part of India, often leading to disputes over visas and travel documents. Khandu’s strong statement underscores both the personal indignity suffered by the woman and the larger geopolitical tension between India and China.
