Chinese soldier held on Indian side Of LAC in Ladakh

A Chinese soldier was apprehended in Ladakh on the Indian side of the LAC on Friday, said officials.

According to Indian Army sources, Indian troops took the soldier into custody, reports NDTV.

As per existing protocols, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldier is being dealt with and the conditions under which he crossed the LAC are being examined, the sources said.

"During early hours of 8 January 21, a Chinese soldier was apprehended on the Indian Side of the LAC, in Ladakh, in area South of Pangong Tso lake. The PLA soldier had transgressed across the LAC and was taken into custody by Indian troops deployed in this area," an official said.

"The PLA soldier is being dealt with as per laid down procedures and circumstances under which he had crossed the LAC are being investigated. Further details are awaited," the official added.

Troops from either side have been deployed along the LAC since friction erupted last year due to unprecedented mobilisation and forward concentration by Chinese troops.

The tension between India and China in eastern Ladakh peaked in June 2020 in a clash that left 20 Indian soldiers dead and an unspecified number of Chinese casualties. The two countries have moved tens of thousands of troops and weapons into the high-altitude region since March and several rounds of talks have failed to significantly ease tensions.

In December, they agreed to continue work towards ensuring complete disengagement of troops in all friction points along the LAC in eastern Ladakh at the "earliest". Yet, several rounds of diplomatic and military talks later, no breakthrough has been achieved so far.