Identity Under Scrutiny: The Arunachal Pradesh Story from Shanghai

Imagine the anticipation, the buzzing excitement of heading to an international youth summit, representing your nation on a global stage. That's exactly where Pem Wangjom and Thongdok, two bright young women from India's northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, found themselves. But their journey, meant to be inspiring, took an unexpected and rather jarring turn at Shanghai's bustling Pudong International Airport.

Despite holding perfectly valid Indian passports and Chinese visas – the standard travel documents, mind you – they were abruptly detained. Not for a few minutes, but for a frustrating two to three hours. The reason? A relentless line of questioning, centered bizarrely on their nationality, specifically probing whether they were from 'South Tibet.' It’s a chilling reminder of the long-standing geopolitical tensions that often overshadow individual lives, isn't it?

Now, for anyone even vaguely familiar with India-China relations, this isn't an entirely new narrative. China has, for decades, laid claim to Arunachal Pradesh, unilaterally referring to it as 'Zangnan' or 'South Tibet.' This claim is, of course, unequivocally rejected by India, which maintains Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inseparable part of its territory. The airport incident, therefore, wasn't just a travel hiccup; it was a potent symbol of this deeper, unresolved dispute playing out on a deeply personal level.

Thankfully, common sense eventually prevailed, albeit after a bit of a diplomatic scramble. With swift intervention from the Indian Embassy in Beijing and the Ministry of External Affairs, our two young delegates were finally allowed to proceed to their summit. It highlights the crucial role diplomacy plays, even in seemingly minor incidents, in protecting citizens abroad.

But the story didn't end there. Back home, Pem Wangjom took to social media, sharing her experience and, more importantly, sending an incredibly powerful message. She spoke not just of the detention, but of the relentless online trolls who, in a truly disheartening display, had questioned her Indian identity. Her response was simple, direct, and utterly resonant: 'I am an Indian,' she declared, adding, 'I belong to India.' It was a moment of profound personal assertion that spoke volumes.

What followed was nothing short of inspiring. Her post wasn't just liked; it went viral, drawing an outpouring of support from across India. From ordinary citizens to prominent politicians and celebrities, people rallied around Pem, condemning the questioning of her nationality and, by extension, the identity of all Arunachalis. It underscored a fundamental truth: geographical distance means nothing when it comes to national identity and shared pride.

This whole episode, from the unsettling questions at Shanghai to the solidarity back home, serves as a powerful reminder. It tells the world, and anyone who might harbor doubts, that the people of Arunachal Pradesh are, without question, Indian. Their vibrant culture, their unwavering patriotism, their very being, are intrinsically linked to the tapestry of India. And for those who try to sow discord or question their allegiance, the message from Pem Wangjom and Thongdok, echoed by a united nation, is loud and clear: We are one, indivisible India.