Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen K.T. Parnaik has strongly criticised the reported detention and harassment of an Arunachal woman, Pema Wangjom Thongdok, by Chinese immigration officials at Shanghai Pudong Airport. The incident took place on November 21, when Pema, who works in the financial services sector in London, was travelling from the U.K. to Japan and was stopped for nearly 18 hours during transit. She was allegedly told by airport officials to “apply for a Chinese passport,” a remark that has triggered strong reactions in India.
Governor Parnaik said the conduct of the Chinese officials was unacceptable and described China’s repeated claims over Arunachal Pradesh as an “old strategy.” He said China has long referred to the state as “South Tibet,” but India has never accepted these claims at any level. He added that India has consistently raised its objections through demarches, diplomatic communications and discussions with foreign officers. The Governor said such incidents only underline the need to continue asserting Arunachal Pradesh’s position on the global stage and to ensure that its people do not feel threatened or intimidated.
He also recalled earlier cases where Indian citizens, including sports players from Arunachal Pradesh, were issued staple visas instead of proper visas. He said these actions were part of a pattern and that India must respond firmly each time. According to him, the people of Arunachal Pradesh have always stood strong for the country and even protected the territory during the 1962 conflict when China attempted to enter Indian land. 
Arunachal Pradesh Law Minister Kento Jini also condemned the incident, calling it unfortunate and unnecessary. He said India does not recognise any such behaviour from China and that the people of Arunachal Pradesh are patriotic citizens who deserve respect. He added that the remarks made at the airport were shocking and hurtful.
The incident has also drawn a response from Chief Minister Pema Khandu. In a post on X, he said he was “deeply shocked” by the treatment given to Pema Wangjom Thongdok. He said humiliating an Indian citizen, who was carrying a valid Indian passport, was unacceptable. The Chief Minister also said that Arunachal Pradesh “is, and will always be, an integral part of India” and that any suggestion otherwise is baseless.
Meanwhile, New Delhi has accused Beijing of violating international aviation rules as well as China’s own transit regulations. The issue is expected to be taken up diplomatically as the government seeks a formal explanation from China.
