Beijing: China on Thursday said that the three
Chinese citizens, who were arrested in India without valid
travel documents recently, were not spies but "tourists" who
entered the Indian territory by "mistake".
"The relevant report is inaccurate," Chinese Foreign
Ministry spokesperson told a media briefing here while
answering a question that the three may be spies.
"In recent days three Chinese tourists crossed over
to Indian border by mistake along the India-Nepal border. They
were detained by Indian police", Hong said.
"The Chinese Embassy in India is in touch with the
Indian police and urge the Indian side to properly handle the
issue", Hong said.
The three, including a woman, were arrested near the
Indo-Nepal border for allegedly sneaking into the Indian
territory and taking pictures of vital installations,
according to the Indian paramilitary personnel.
The three, identified as Liao Xing, Yu Dangli and Yang
Liu, were arrested by Shashastra Seema Bal (SSB) near
Rupedhiya border in Uttar Pradesh on January 17 when they were
taking pictures of some important installations.
An Indian PAN card, two mobiles and a camera were
recovered from them.
They were booked for illegally entering country and
under the Passport Act.
PTI
