Arunachal-born UK woman detained, harassed in Shanghai over passport
What's the story
Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK resident originally from Arunachal Pradesh, has accused Chinese immigration officials of detaining and harassing her at Shanghai Pudong Airport. The incident occurred on November 21 when Thongdok was transiting from London to Japan with a three-hour layover in Shanghai. She alleged that her Indian passport was declared invalid by the officials because it mentioned Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace.
Passport controversy
'Arunachal, not valid passport': Official's response to Thongdok
According to Thongdok, an official shouted "India, India," and singled her out at the security check. When she inquired why her passport was invalid, the official responded with "Arunachal, not valid passport." This left Thongdok puzzled, as she had transited through Shanghai without any issues last year and had confirmed with the Chinese Embassy in London that there would be no problems for Indian citizens.
Extended detention
Thongdok's ordeal at Shanghai airport
The incident turned her brief transit into an 18-hour ordeal at the airport. Thongdok alleged that multiple immigration officials and China Eastern Airlines staff mocked her, laughed at her, and even suggested she "apply for a Chinese passport." She was also denied clear information, proper food, or access to airport facilities during this time.
Travel disruption
Thongdok's passport withheld, onward flight to Japan canceled
Despite holding a valid visa for Japan, Thongdok was prevented from boarding her onward flight, and her passport was withheld by the officials. She claimed that she was confined to the transit area and couldn't rebook tickets, buy meals, or move between terminals. Officials allegedly pressured her into buying a new ticket only on China Eastern and hinted that her passport would be returned only after doing so.
Diplomatic appeal
Thongdok seeks Indian government's intervention, compensation
After the ordeal, Thongdok reached out to the Indian Consulate in Shanghai through a friend in the UK. Indian officials later escorted her for a late-night departure from China. She has since written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior officials, calling her treatment a "direct insult to India's sovereignty and to the citizens of Arunachal Pradesh." She has urged the Indian government to take up this matter with Beijing and seek accountability from the involved immigration and airline staff.