Chinese citizen sentenced to 10 months prison for illegal entry

Chinese citizen Liu Shiyodan has been sentenced to 10 months imprisonment along with a fine of 11 thousand rupees for illegally entering Himachal Pradesh.

Dharamshala: Chinese citizen Liu Shiyodan has been sentenced to 10 months imprisonment along with a fine of 11 thousand rupees for illegally entering Himachal Pradesh by Additional Judicial Court, Dehra. On July 8 2020, the Chinese citizen had entered Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh. He was arrested by security officials. During the investigation, it was found that this Chinese citizen had served in the People's Liberation Army. He came to India illegally through Nepal. There was no immigration seal on his passport as well.

Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh is also the official residence of the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. The security agencies approached the case cautiously, keeping in mind Dalai Lama's security. The Tibetan political and spiritual leader, Dalai Lama, is a target of China's intelligence and government, for his outspoken criticism of the country.

On Wednesday, Judge Sheetal Sharma of Additional Judicial Court Dehra pronounced the decision. The Chinese citizen was charged with violation of Indian law and illegal border crossing. After the completion of the sentence, the accused Chinese tourist will be handed over to the Chinese Embassy.

This is not the first time, Chinese citizens have been caught in Himachal Pradesh. In 2019, four Chinese nationals were apprehended by the Himachal Police in Baddi. All four entered the country on tourist visas and hid in Himachal. In February 2020, five Chinese citizens were caught taking a homestay accommodation in Shimla without informing the local administration.