Prema Wangjom Thongdok
Prema Wangjom Thongdok is an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh who gained media attention after being detained for over 18 hours at Shanghai airport due to Chinese officials questioning the validity of her Indian passport. Thongdok, who has lived in the UK for 14 years, described her ordeal as humiliating, citing harassment and mockery from airport staff regarding her citizenship. She has since called for diplomatic action from the Indian government to prevent such incidents and to raise awareness about the treatment of northeastern Indians abroad.
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Prema Wangjom Thongdok was detained at Shanghai airport despite being eligible for visa-free passage under Chinese regulations.
'Assure Indians won't be selectively targeted': MEA's strong message to China; reasserts 'no interference' in Arunachal memo | India News
India· 2025-12-08
Prema Wangjom Thongdok was reportedly detained in transit despite being eligible for visa-free passage.
'Indisputable reality': MEA slams China for detaining Indian citizen in Shanghai; calls Arunachal Pradesh 'integral part of India' | India NewsIndia· 2025-11-26Prema Wangjom Thongdok was detained in Shanghai for nearly 20 hours due to a misunderstanding regarding her nationality.
Why an Arunachal woman was told she was Chinese and detained in ShanghaiIndia· 2025-11-26Prema Wangjom Thongdok was held for over 18 hours in Shanghai airport after Chinese officials declared her Indian passport invalid.
'You're Chinese': Arunachal woman harassed by Shanghai airport officials; told passport 'invalid' | India NewsIndia· 2025-11-24