Shanghai: A woman originally from Arunachal Pradesh and currently residing in the United Kingdom (UK) faced severe harassment at Shanghai Airport in China. She was detained for 18 hours due to her Indian passport, and Chinese immigration officials argued, "Arunachal Pradesh is part of China, your passport is invalid."

The incident occurred when the UK resident, named Prema Wangjom Thongdok, was traveling to Japan via Shanghai Pudong Airport. Officials isolated her at the immigration counter and questioned the validity of her Indian passport.

'Your Passport is Invalid, Apply for Chinese Citizenship'

Prema alleged that an official, using a translation device, stated, "Arunachal Pradesh is a part of China. Your passport is fundamentally invalid." Furthermore, she was detained for hours and ultimately pressured to apply for a Chinese passport. During these 18 hours, officials reportedly continued to mock and mentally harass Prema. Her onward journey to Japan was also blocked.

As the incident was reported in the news agencies, the matter was brought to the attention of the Indian Embassy. Prema Wangjom Thongdok was rescued from the airport following the intervention of the Indian Embassy. This incident is another example of Chinese authorities intentionally creating problems for Indian passport holders, based on China's claim that Arunachal Pradesh is its territory.