New Delhi – A popular Indian travel vlogger was held for more than 15 hours at a Chinese airport after officials checked his phone and found old posts where he said Arunachal Pradesh is part of India. The vlogger, Anant Mittal, who runs the YouTube channel On Road Indian, shared his scary experience in a video that has now gone viral. He said guards took his bag, asked him many questions, and did not give him food for hours before letting him go.
Anant, an IIT Guwahati dropout and extreme traveler with around 400,000 subscribers on YouTube, was on a trip to China when this happened. In his emotional video, he broke down in tears while telling what took place. He said he got upset after hearing about another Indian from Arunachal Pradesh who was held in China last month, so he made a post supporting that Arunachal is Indian land. That old post seems to be the reason for his trouble.
What Exactly Happened to the Vlogger?
Anant told in his video that everything was fine at first when he reached the Chinese airport. But soon, immigration officials took him aside. They checked his phone and saw his social media posts about Arunachal Pradesh. He had written that Arunachal is part of India and supported the earlier case of an Indian citizen detained in Shanghai.
The officials then took his bag, phone, camera, and laptop. He was put in a room with other people, like some from Bangladesh. Those people got food, but Anant said he was not given anything to eat or drink for many hours. He asked for food again and again, but nothing came. He felt scared and alone.
“I was shaking with fear. I thought they just needed more papers because immigration is strict these days,” Anant said. But hours passed – 10, 12, 13 hours. He cried when he realised it was because of his Arunachal post. “We are small people. We have no power,” he added, feeling helpless.
After more than 15 hours, they let him go without any charges. He was safe back in India when he made the video. Many people on social media supported him, saying he was right to stand for India’s land.
The Earlier Case That Started It All
This is not the first time something like this has happened. In November 2025, an Indian woman named Pema Wangjom Thongdok (also called Prema or Pem Wang Thongdok) from Arunachal Pradesh was held for about 18 hours at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. She was on her way from London to Japan with a short stop in Shanghai.
Chinese officials said her Indian passport was “invalid” because she was born in Arunachal Pradesh, which they call part of China or “South Tibet.” They took her passport and did not let her go on her flight. She said they even mocked her and told her to apply for a Chinese passport.
Pema contacted the Indian embassy, and after Indian officials stepped in, she was released. India made a strong protest to China, calling it wrong and against rules for international travel. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said Arunachal Pradesh is fully part of India, and no one can question that.
China’s side said they followed laws and did not harass anyone. But India said such actions hurt trust between the two countries.
Why China Claims Arunachal Pradesh
The problem goes back many years. India says Arunachal Pradesh is its state in the northeast, with its own people, government, and history as part of India. But China calls the whole area “Zangnan” or southern Tibet and says it belongs to them.
This dispute started from old border lines drawn long ago. There was even a war in 1962 between India and China over border areas. Since then, both sides have talks, but small issues keep coming up. China sometimes renames places in Arunachal or objects when Indian leaders visit there.
India always says Arunachal is “integral and inalienable” part of the country. Leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi have visited the state many times to show strong support.
Beautiful Arunachal Pradesh – India’s Pride
Arunachal Pradesh is one of India’s most beautiful states. It has high mountains, green forests, rivers, and many tribes with rich culture. Places like Tawang have old monasteries and snow-covered peaks. People there are proud Indians and celebrate festivals with joy.
The state has tough terrain, but India is building roads, airports, and other things to connect it better. This helps people and also shows the world that it is firmly Indian land.
Reactions from People and Calls for Action
Anant’s video has made many Indians angry and worried. On social media, people are asking the Indian government to do something. They want better protection for Indians travelling to China. Some say travellers should be careful about what they post online before going there.
One user wrote, “He just said the truth – Arunachal is India. Why punish him for that?” Others praised Anant for not hiding his stand even after trouble.
The Ministry of External Affairs has not said anything new on this latest case yet. But after the November incident, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said, “Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. This is a fact that no amount of denial can change.”
Experts say such events show how old border issues affect normal people now. Travellers are told to keep embassy numbers handy and think twice about political posts when visiting sensitive countries.
Advice for Indians Travelling to China
If you plan to go to China, remember:
- Immigration can check phones and bags.
- Avoid talking or posting about border issues.
- Have Indian embassy contacts saved.
- Tell family your travel plans.
India and China are big neighbours, and both sides try to keep peace. But incidents like these remind everyone that some problems are still there.
Anant said he has Chinese friends and no hate for the people, just shared his bad experience. He hopes things get better for travellers.
This story shows how a simple post can lead to big trouble in another country. But it also shows the strong feeling Indians have for their land, especially Arunachal Pradesh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the vlogger detained in China?
Anant Mittal, popularly known as On Road Indian. He is an IIT dropout who makes travel videos. His channel has nearly 400,000 subscribers. He travels to tough places and shares real stories.
2. Why was he detained?
Because of old social media posts where he said Arunachal Pradesh is part of India. He made those posts after getting emotional about the November case of Pema Wangjom Thongdok, who was also held for being from Arunachal.
3. How long was he held, and what happened during detention?
More than 15 hours. Officials checked his phone, took his things, questioned him, and did not give food for long time. He was scared and cried when released.
4. What is the November 2025 case mentioned?
Pema Wangjom Thongdok, an Indian living in UK and born in Arunachal, was held for 18 hours in Shanghai airport. Officials said her passport was invalid as Arunachal is “Chinese territory.” India protested strongly.
5. Does China really claim Arunachal Pradesh?
Yes, China calls it “Zangnan” or southern Tibet and says it belongs to them. India says it is fully Indian state. This is an old dispute.
6. Has India said anything about these incidents?
Yes, for the November case, India said it is wrong and Arunachal is forever part of India. No new statement yet on the vlogger, but people expect action.
7. Is it safe for Indians to travel to China now?
Many Indians travel without problems, but be careful with political talks or posts. Keep embassy help ready.
8. What can the government do?
India can protest, ask for safety of citizens, and give travel advice. Some want stronger steps to protect people from Arunachal.