ITANAGAR, Nov 25: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday strongly condemned Chinese immigration authorities for what he termed “unacceptable and appalling” treatment of an Arunachal woman who was detained for nearly 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
The woman, identified as Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK-based Indian citizen, was reportedly stopped by immigration officials who allegedly refused to acknowledge her Indian passport. Thongdok was travelling to China when she was held for prolonged questioning and denied entry clearance.
Expressing outrage, Khandu said he was “deeply shocked” by the ordeal, calling the conduct of the Chinese officials a case of “humiliation and racial mockery.”
“Subjecting her, despite a valid Indian passport, to such treatment is appalling,” the chief minister wrote on X. He further stressed that the episode raised serious concerns about the discriminatory attitude displayed toward Indian citizens, particularly those from Arunachal Pradesh.
Reaffirming India’s position on Arunachal Pradesh, Khandu added, “Arunachal Pradesh is and will always be an integral part of India. Any insinuation otherwise is baseless and offensive.”
The incident has drawn sharp reactions online, with many users voicing solidarity with Thongdok and urging the Indian government to take up the issue diplomatically.
Officials have not yet issued a formal statement on whether New Delhi will raise the matter with Beijing.
