The soldier of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will be returned to the Chinese Army. (Proceedings)
Ladakh / New Delhi:
A Chinese soldier was captured by Indian forces in Ladakh after he crossed the Royal Line of Control (LAC), the army said on Monday. The soldier, identified as Corporal Wang Ya Long, was captured in the Chumar-Demchok area.
The soldier from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) will be returned to the Chinese Army “according to established protocol after following due process,” the army said in a statement.
The statement said the soldier had received medical assistance that included oxygen, food and warm clothing “to protect him from the vagaries of extreme altitude and harsh weather conditions.”
A request had been received from the Chinese military regarding the missing soldier’s whereabouts, the military said, adding that he would be returned to Chinese officials at the Chushul-Moldo meeting point after formalities were completed.
Some reports suggested that the soldier was carrying civilian and military documents when he was captured.
Indian and Chinese soldiers have been locked in a clash in LAC, or the de facto border between the countries, in Ladakh since May. The tension reached its peak in June when 20 Indian soldiers died in the line of duty in a clash with the Chinese in the Galwan Valley. Last month, shots were fired into the air more than once when the two armies came face to face in Pangong Tso.
There have been several rounds of military and diplomatic talks between the two sides to resolve the standoff, but the Chinese have refused to adhere to the agreements to restore the status quo.
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