Inalienable part: MEA jabs China's remarks on Arunachal and woman's detention
PTC News Desk: India has strongly criticised China and demanded an explanation after a woman from Arunachal Pradesh was detained at the Shanghai airport while she was only passing through. India reminded China that Arunachal Pradesh is a permanent and unquestionable part of India.
The Indian government said China still has not explained why the Indian woman, who had a valid passport and was allowed visa-free transit, was stopped—something that goes against international airport rules. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has raised the issue firmly with China, but China has not given any proper reason for her detention.
Replying to comments made by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Jaiswal called the detention “unjustified.” He said the woman was travelling to Japan and was only transiting through Shanghai with all necessary documents.
India also rejected China’s claims questioning her nationality. Jaiswal added, “Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. This fact cannot be changed by China’s denials.”
According to the ministry, the Indian citizen, travelling with proper documents, was arbitrarily stopped despite being eligible for visa-free transit for up to 24 hours, a facility China extends to nationals of all countries.
“Chinese authorities have still not been able to explain their actions, which violate multiple conventions governing international air travel,” Jaiswal said, adding that Beijing’s conduct also goes against its own transit regulations.
- With inputs from agencies
