Chinese soldier captured in Ladakh, will be returned after inquiry

The Indian Army reportedly caught a Chinese soldier along the Line of Actual control (LAC) in Ladakh on early Monday morning.

News reports claim the Chinese soldier was captured in Chumar-Demchok area, some 300 km south of Pangong Lake.

The Indian Army and intelligence officials are conducting an inquiry and questioning the soldier to find out if there was any attempt at espionage, TV Today Network said.

News agency ANI in its report said the Chinese soldier may have entered Indian territory inadvertently.

“He will be returned to Chinese Army as per established protocol after following due procedure,” the report said quoting unknown sources.

Also read: China says it does not “recognise” Ladakh Union Territory

The Indian army is expected to make a statement on the matter soon.

India and China have been at loggerheads since early May when India detected multiple intrusions into Indian territory by the Chinese. The two countries are competing to build infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control. India’s construction of a new road to a high-altitude air base is seen as one of the main triggers for a clash with Chinese troops in June that left at least 20 Indian soldiers dead. India acknowledged its deaths. China did not comment on reports it also suffered fatalities.

In August, India accused China of provoking military tensions at the border twice within a week. Both charges were denied by China, which said the stand-off was “entirely” India’s fault.

In early September, China accused India of firing shots at its troops. India accused China of firing into the air.

The allegations, if true, would be the first time in 45 years that shots were fired at the border. A 1996 agreement prohibited the use of guns and explosives near the border – to avoid a confrontation spiralling out of control.

Many rounds of talks at the military and diplomatic level have failed to ensure a resolution of the tensions.