By Admin 
An Indian-origin UK resident woman of Arunachal Pradesh origin has alleged that immigration officials at China’s Shanghai Airport refused to accept her Indian passport and harassed her by detaining her for hours. The woman says that her place of birth was Arunachal Pradesh mentioned in the passport, so the officials declared the passport ‘illegal’ and said that ‘Arunachal Pradesh is a part of China.’
Passport stopped as ‘illegal’
Pima Wangjom Thongdok was flying from London to Japan on November 21 and had a three-hour transit at Shanghai Pudong Airport. According to the allegation, the officials at the immigration counter, after seeing his passport, said that it was not valid because Arunachal Pradesh was written in the place of birth. When he asked the reason, he got the answer – ‘Arunachal is a part of China, hence your passport is invalid.’
Allegations of detention and torture for 18 hours
Pima told that the small process of transit turned into an ordeal of 18 hours. His passport was confiscated and he was not allowed to board onward flights, even though his visa was valid. They were denied access to food, information and basic facilities. China Eastern Airlines and immigration staff made fun of him. They were even taunted by saying ‘get a Chinese passport’. She said that last year also she had transited through Shanghai and there was no problem then. He had even already confirmed with the Chinese Embassy in London that Indian passengers can travel without any hassle in transit.
Pressure of new ticket, financial loss
Pima claims that she was repeatedly pressurized by saying that she should buy a new ticket only from China Eastern, only then her passport would be returned. During this time, she could not book the ticket again, could not change the terminal, and even craved for food. There was also financial loss due to missed flights and cancellation of hotel bookings.
Indian Consulate provided relief
After being stranded for several hours, she was able to contact the Indian Consulate in Shanghai with the help of a friend in the UK. After that the Indian authorities intervened and got him released from there by a late night flight.
Demand for action from Indian Government
Pima has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior officials saying that the treatment meted to her is a ‘direct insult to the sovereignty of India and the citizens of Arunachal Pradesh’.
He has demanded that the Indian government should raise this issue with Beijing on immigration and disciplinary action should be taken against the airline staff and compensation for financial loss. He also said that it should be ensured that Indian citizens of Arunachal Pradesh do not face such problems while traveling in future.