Arunachal Origin Sparks Passport Row in Shanghai

A traveler from Arunachal Pradesh experienced a lengthy detention at Shanghai Airport, allegedly due to China’s territorial claims over the Indian state. Pema Wang Thongdok recounted being held for over 18 hours on November 21, 2025, as airport staff deemed her Indian passport invalid. According to her social media post, officials cited that her birthplace, Arunachal Pradesh, was considered Chinese territory, leading to the passport denial. The incident prompted Pema to reach out to the Prime Minister’s Office, Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu, and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju for intervention. News of the detention quickly spread, provoking widespread anger and concern among internet users. Many demanded that the Indian government address this perceived insult and take concrete steps to counter such territorial assertions during international travel.