NEW DELHI: The army detained a Chinese soldier on Monday after he had inadvertently strayed into Indian territory in the eastern Demchok sector Ladakh, where the troops of the two countries face each other in the ongoing military confrontation since the beginning of May.
The soldier, identified as Corporal Wang Ya Long, armourer of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), will be handed over to Chinese officials at the Chushul-Moldo border meeting point after completing the formalities and in accordance with established protocols.
“It will probably take place on Tuesday morning,” said an Indian army officer. Wang, who had his identity card in his pocket and yearned to reach the city of Shangxizhen in China’s central Zhejiang province, apparently got lost and crossed the LACQUER early monday. “There does not seem to be any spy angle. He was disoriented when our troops stopped him, ”said another Indian officer.
The PLA soldier received medical aid, food, and warm clothing to protect him from the vagaries of high altitude and harsh weather conditions. A request was also received from the PLA regarding the whereabouts of the missing soldier, ”said the Indian Army officer.
The incident comes at a time when the eighth round of corps commander-level talks between India and China will take place later this week. There was no tangible progress in resolving the confrontation during the seventh round on October 12, although the PLA presented “a new set of proposals for mutual disassociation.
India has remained steadfast in its stance of “complete de-escalation” at troop sites and throughout LAC in eastern Ladakh, with the PLA initiating the withdrawal. India had rejected China’s demand that its troops first vacate the tactical heights they preemptively occupied on the ridge line extending from Thakung in South bank of Pangong Tso to Gurung Hill, Spanggur Gap, Magar Hill, Mukhpari, Rezang La and Reqin La on August 29-30.
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