NEW DELHI: The Indian Army on Tuesday said that it would take another “few days” to release the Chinese soldier who was apprehended after he inadvertently crossed over into Indian territory in the Demchok sector of eastern Ladakh on Monday.
The Army said there was “laid down protocol and due process” that was followed in such cases. “The Chinese soldier, Corporal Wang Ya Long, is fine after receiving medical assistance. He is also being questioned by Chinese language experts, even though there does not seem to be any espionage angle,” an officer said.
“He will be handed over to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at the ChushulMoldo border point after the formalities are completed, as per the protocol, within the next few days,” he added. Earlier in the day, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson in Beijing said Wang was helping local herdsmen find their yaks when he went missing.
“The Indian side promised support and promised to return the soldier in time after medical checks. We hope it will stick to its commitment and return the soldier at an early date,” the spokesperson said.
The PLA soldier, who had his identity card in his pocket and belongs to Shangxizhen town of central Zhejiang province in China, was disoriented when he was taken into custody by Indian troops in the Demchok sector, as reported by TOI on Monday.
The incident took place when India and China are preparing for the eighth round of corps commander-level talks later this week.