UK Resident Held at Shanghai Airport in Passport Dispute
A British-based Indian woman faced an 18-hour detention at a major Chinese airport this week, in an incident that has escalated diplomatic tensions between India and China. Prema Thongdok, who resides in the UK, was transiting through Shanghai Pudong International Airport on 21 November when Chinese border officials intervened.
The Detention and Alleged Passport Invalidity
Ms Thongdok was travelling from London to Japan when her journey was abruptly halted during her transit stop in Shanghai. According to reports, Chinese officials declared her Indian passport to be invalid. The stated reason for this decision was that her passport listed Arunachal Pradesh as her place of birth.
Beijing claims this northeastern Indian state as part of its own territory, referring to it as 'Zangnan'. Following the declaration, she was denied permission to continue her journey to Japan. Officials allegedly pressured her to return either to the UK, her country of residence, or to India.
Diplomatic Fallout and India's Strong Response
The incident prompted a swift and firm response from the Indian government. India lodged a "strong demarche" with Chinese authorities, formally protesting the treatment of its citizen. Throughout her 18-hour detention, the Indian consulate in Shanghai provided Ms Thongdok with necessary assistance.
In an official statement, the Indian government asserted that Arunachal Pradesh is "indisputably Indian territory." It further stated that residents of the state are entitled to carry Indian passports and labelled the grounds for her detention as "ludicrous." This event underscores the ongoing and sensitive border disputes between the two Asian powers, which occasionally impact civilians travelling internationally.
