Chinese soldier caught in Ladakh not released yet

The Chinese soldier caught by the Indian Army in Ladakh won’t be released soon, as was anticipated immediately after his arrest on Monday (October 19).

Corporal Wang Ya Long was caught in Demchok and is being questioned by experts before he is handed back to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the NDTV reported.

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An Indian Army statement said the Chinese soldier strayed across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and would be returned to the Chinese Army “as per established protocol after following due procedure” at the Chushul-Moldo meeting point.

The soldier had been given medical assistance, including oxygen, food and warm clothes to protect him from harsh climatic conditions, the statement further said.

The Chinese army has already inquired about the whereabouts of their missing man.

Some media reports said that the soldier was carrying civil and military documents when he was nabbed.

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

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.

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