Governor Parnaik condemns 'detention' of Arunachal woman at Chinese airport

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik and Law Minister Kento Jini strongly condemned the harassment of Arunachal woman Pema Wangjom Thongdok by Chinese officials at Shanghai Pudong Airport, where she was reportedly told to “apply for a Chinese passport”. Both leaders emphasised that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India and highlighted that the people of Arunachal have historically protected this territory, including during the 1962 Indo-China conflict when China attempted to enter Indian territory.

Governor Parnaik called China’s claims an “old strategy,” noting that China often refers to Arunachal Pradesh as “South Tibet.” He stated that India has never recognised such claims and has repeatedly issued demarches, informed foreign officers, and communicated through consulates to assert its position.

He suggested practical measures to assert Arunachal’s integral status internationally, and emphasised that the state should not be intimidated by such statements. Governor Parnaik also referenced past incidents where Indian citizens, including players, were issued only staple visas instead of proper ones.

Law Minister Kento Jini described the incident as unfortunate and controversial, emphasising that India does not recognise any of China’s actions. He added, “We are very patriotic and deeply shocked by their actions.”

Prema Thongdok, Principal Regulatory Consultant, working in financial services and based in London, was stopped at the Shanghai airport for 18 hours while she was transiting to Japan from the U.K. on November 21. The incident has escalated diplomatic tensions between the two nations, with New Delhi accusing Beijing of violating international aviation conventions and China’s own transit regulations.

The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu has also tweeted on X, Mr. Khandu said, “I am deeply shocked by the unacceptable treatment of Ms. Pema Wangjom Thongdok, a proud Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh, by Chinese immigration authorities at Shanghai Pudong Airport. Subjecting her to humiliation and racial mockery, despite holding a valid Indian passport, is appalling. Arunachal Pradesh is, and will always be, an integral part of India. Any insinuation otherwise is baseless and offensive'.