Chinese soldier captured by Indian Army in Ladakh to be released

A Chinese Army soldier was captured by the Indian security forces in Chumar-Demchok area of Ladakh on Monday morning. The Indian Army said in a statement that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) trooper, identified as Corporal Wang Ya Long, would be handed back to the Chinese authorities as per established protocol.The PLA soldier is believed to have strayed across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and was provided medical assistance as well as food and warm clothing when apprehended by the Indian Army.

“A PLA soldier identified as Corporal Wang Ya Long was apprehended in the Demchok sector of Eastern Ladakh on 19 October 2020 after he had strayed across the LAC. The PLA soldier has been provided medical assistance including oxygen, food and warm clothes to protect him from the vagaries of extreme altitude and harsh climatic conditions.“ A request has also been received from the PLA about the whereabouts of the missing soldier. 

As per established protocols, he will be returned back to Chinese officials at the Chushul – Moldo meeting point after completion of formalities,” the Indian Army statement read.Sources were earlier reported as saying that the PLA soldier may have crossed over into the Indian territory inadvertently.Earlier reports had indicated that the agencies were looking into the espionage angle, as the development has come amidst the ongoing raging border dispute in Ladakh as part of which both sides have mobilised troops as well as weapons to deter each other. There were also reports of Corporal Wang carrying civil and military documents with him.