Woman Harassed at Shanghai Airport, Told ‘Arunachal Part of China’
In a shocking incident, an Arunachal Pradesh-born Indian-origin UK resident was allegedly harassed by Chinese immigration officials at Shanghai Airport. Prema Wangjom Thongdok, who was traveling through China, was detained for 18 hours after officials refused to recognize her Indian passport. The incident has sparked outrage and highlights the ongoing tensions between India and China over the disputed region of Arunachal Pradesh.
According to Thongdok, she was traveling from the UK to India with a layover in Shanghai when she was stopped by Chinese immigration officials. Despite presenting her valid Indian passport, the officials declared it “invalid” and claimed that Arunachal Pradesh, her birthplace, is part of China. Thongdok was taken aback by the statement and tried to explain that Arunachal Pradesh is a state in India, but the officials refused to listen.
Thongdok was detained for 18 hours, during which time she was subjected to harassment and mocking by the airport staff. She was not provided with any food or water and was forced to spend the night in a detention room. The officials allegedly told her that she would not be allowed to leave China unless she admitted that Arunachal Pradesh is part of China.
The incident is a clear example of China’s aggressive stance on the disputed region. China has long claimed Arunachal Pradesh as its own, referring to it as “South Tibet.” The region has been a point of contention between India and China for decades, with both countries claiming sovereignty over the area.
Thongdok’s ordeal finally came to an end after the Indian consulate intervened on her behalf. The consulate officials spoke with the Chinese authorities and arranged for her release. Thongdok was allowed to continue her journey to India, but the experience has left her shaken.
The incident has sparked outrage in India, with many calling for the government to take strong action against China. The Indian government has lodged a formal protest with the Chinese authorities, demanding an explanation for the incident. The Ministry of External Affairs has also issued a statement, saying that the Indian government is “deeply concerned” about the incident and is taking all necessary steps to protect the rights of Indian citizens.
This incident is not an isolated one. There have been several instances in the past where Indian citizens have been harassed or detained by Chinese authorities over the issue of Arunachal Pradesh. In 2017, a group of Indian students were detained by Chinese authorities at the Shanghai airport after they were found to be carrying documents that showed Arunachal Pradesh as part of India.
The incident highlights the need for the Indian government to take a strong stance on the issue of Arunachal Pradesh. The government must ensure that the rights of Indian citizens are protected, especially when they are traveling abroad. The government must also take all necessary steps to counter China’s aggressive claims on the disputed region.
In conclusion, the incident at Shanghai Airport is a disturbing reminder of the tensions between India and China over the disputed region of Arunachal Pradesh. The harassment of Prema Wangjom Thongdok by Chinese immigration officials is a clear example of China’s aggressive stance on the issue. The Indian government must take strong action to protect the rights of Indian citizens and counter China’s claims on the disputed region.
The incident has also raised questions about the safety of Indian citizens traveling to China. Many Indians travel to China for business, tourism, or education, and it is the responsibility of the Indian government to ensure their safety. The government must take all necessary steps to protect the rights of Indian citizens and prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
The Indian government must also engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue of Arunachal Pradesh. The government must work with the Chinese authorities to find a mutually acceptable solution to the dispute. The government must also engage with other countries to build international support for India’s claim on the disputed region.
In the end, the incident at Shanghai Airport is a reminder of the complex and sensitive nature of the India-China relationship. The incident has highlighted the need for the Indian government to take a strong stance on the issue of Arunachal Pradesh and to protect the rights of Indian citizens. The government must also engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve the dispute and build international support for India’s claim on the disputed region.
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