India Slams China Over Shanghai Airport Ordeal, Demands Explanation

Image Source: Internet

In a stern rebuke, India's foreign ministry has condemned China's actions against an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh at Shanghai airport. Prema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK-based woman, was traveling from London to Japan on November 21 when she was subjected to a traumatic ordeal. Chinese immigration personnel declared her passport invalid due to her birthplace being listed as Arunachal Pradesh. China has refuted allegations of harassment, but MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal countered that the ground reality does not change despite China's claims over the Indian province. He emphasized that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India, and China's actions do not aid in improving bilateral relations. The incident has sparked outrage, with Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu expressing 'deep shock' and calling the treatment of the woman 'appalling'. The MEA has taken up the issue strongly with China, demanding an explanation for the actions that violate international air travel conventions and China's own regulations. China's renaming of towns and geographical features in the state as part of its claim has been met with resistance from India, which maintains that the region is an inalienable part of the country. The MEA has reiterated that no amount of denial can change the reality of Arunachal Pradesh's status as an integral part of India.