India army apprehends Chinese soldier amid military standoff

SRINAGAR, India: The Indian military said it apprehended a Chinese soldier on Monday (Oct 19) in the remote Ladakh region, where the two countries are locked in a months-long military standoff along their disputed border.

A statement by the Indian army said the soldier, Corporal Wang Ya Long from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA), was apprehended inside Indian-controlled Ladakh’s Demchok area and was to be released soon.

Advertisement

Advertisement

“As per established protocols, he will be returned back to Chinese officials at the Chushul-Moldo meeting point after completion of formalities,” the statement said.

“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,” the statement added.

READ: India, China hold fresh talks on ending military faceoff

China did not immediately comment about the soldier’s capture. But the editor-in-chief of state-backed Global Times said in a tweet that the matter was being resolved.

Advertisement

Advertisement

“Based on what I know, one Chinese soldier was detained by Indian side, very likely because of getting lost,“ said Hu Xijin.

“Indian side has a positive attitude. The soldier will be returned to China. The issue should not cause new tensions in the border area.“

READ: India's Modi opens tunnel route to tense China border

The high-altitude standoff between the Asian giants began in early May with a fierce brawl, and exploded into hand-to-hand combat with clubs, stones and fists on Jun 15 that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. China is believed to also have had casualties, but has not given any details.

Advertisement

The nuclear-armed rivals have accused each other of crossiRead More – Source