The ministry of external affairs(MEA) on Tuesday said Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India. The statement came just hours after China repeated its claim over the region while denying reports that an Indian woman was mistreated at the Shanghai airport.

What Happened at the Airport

Prema Wangjom Thongdok, a UK-based Indian citizen, was travelling from London to Japan on November 21. She said her three-hour layover in Shanghai turned into a “traumatising ordeal”. Immigration officials allegedly told her that her passport was “invalid” because it mentioned Arunachal Pradesh as her birthplace.

China Denies Harassment

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning responded on Tuesday. She said the woman did not face “any compulsory measures, detainment or harassment”. Mao added, “We learnt that China’s border inspection authorities have gone through the whole process according to the laws and regulations and fully protected the lawful rights and interests of the person concerned. Zangnan is China’s territory. China never acknowledged the so-called Arunachal Pradesh illegally set up by India.”

India Hits Back Strongly

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal rejected China’s claim. He said, “Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India, and this is a self-evident fact. No amount of denial by the Chinese side is going to change this indisputable reality.”

He also said India took up the detention issue firmly with China. According to him, Chinese officials have not given a clear explanation for their actions. He added that China’s behaviour violated global air travel conventions and even its own rules that allow visa-free transit for up to 24 hours for all nationalities.

Arunachal CM Condemns the Incident

Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu expressed “deep shock” at the woman’s experience. He said the “racial mockery” she faced was “appalling”.

Long-standing Dispute

India has repeatedly rejected China’s claims over Arunachal Pradesh. New Delhi maintains that the northeastern state is an inseparable part of India. However, China has continued to rename towns and geographical features in the state to strengthen its territorial claim.