Army apprehends Chinese soldier amidmilitary standoff

CorporalWang, who strayed in remote Ladakh region, to be released soon

He has been provided medical assistance including oxygen, food and warm clothes to protect him from the vagaries of extreme altitude and harsh climatic conditions.”

IndianArmy statement

The Indian army said it apprehended a Chinese soldier yesterday in the remote Ladakh region, where the two countries are locked in a monthslong military standoff along their disputed mountain border. The soldier, Cpl. Wang Ya Long from China’s People’s Liberation Army, was apprehended inside Indian- controlled Ladakh’s Demchok area and was to be released soon, the army said in a statement.

It said the soldier “had strayed” across the de facto border along the eastern section of what’s known as the Line of Actual Control, a loose demarcation separating Indian and Chinesecontrolled areas. “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.

Deadly brawl

China did not immediately comment on the soldier’s apprehension. The high- altitude standoff between the Asian giants began in early May with a fierce brawl, and exploded into handtohand combat with clubs, stones andfistsonJune 15 that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. China is believed to also have had casualties, but has not given any details.

China detained at least 10 Indian soldiers, including four officers, following the deadly brawl. Theywere returned three days later after intense military and diplomatic negotiations. The Indian army statement yesterday said the Indian side had received an inquiry from China’s military “about the whereabouts of the missing soldier.”

The soldier “has been provided medical assistance including oxygen, food and warm clothes to protect himfromthe vagaries of extreme altitude and harsh climatic conditions,” the statement said. India and China have each stationed tens of thousands of soldiers backed by artillery, tanks and fighter jets and are bracing for a harsh winter.