Arunachal Woman Detained in Shanghai: India Protests 'Ludicrous' Claims

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India has lodged a strong protest with China after a woman from Arunachal Pradesh was detained at Shanghai airport on November 21. Prema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK resident, was on her way to Japan for a vacation when she was held by immigration officials for over 18 hours. According to Thongdok, the authorities declared her Indian passport invalid, citing her birthplace as Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims as its territory. However, India has consistently rejected these claims, stating that the northeastern state is an integral part of the country. Thongdok, who holds a valid Japanese visa, was not allowed to board her onward China Eastern Airlines flight. Her ordeal ended after Indian officials intervened, she said. When questioned by the immigration staff, Thongdok was mocked and told to apply for a Chinese passport. India's foreign ministry issued a strong demarche to the Chinese side, highlighting that the passenger had been detained on 'ludicrous grounds.' The Indian consulate in Shanghai also extended assistance to the stranded passenger. The incident has sparked concern, with experts pointing out that China's actions are in contravention of international aviation conventions. This move comes at a time when both sides are working to restore normalcy in their relations. China has faced criticism in recent years for renaming towns and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh as part of its efforts to lay claim to the region. India has consistently rejected these claims, emphasizing that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the country.