On the 12th of September, five youths of Arunachal Pradesh returned home from the Line of Actual Control (LAC) Ladakh.
Seven residents of Nacho town of Arunachal Pradesh got lost in a forest near the LAC last week. While two came back last week itself, the remaining five returned on the 12th of September.
Chinese troops handed over the boys who were said to be taken by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA.)
The seven boys were identified as Prasad, Tanu Bakar and Ngaru Diri, Dongtu Ebiya, Tabu, Tate and Toch Singkam. While Tabu and Tate returned on the same day, the remaining five returned today.
The five youths, who have now been handed over to India by the Chinese army, would be placed under 14 day quarantine as per the COVID-19 protocols. Following the quarantine, they would be sent back to their families.
A statement was also released regarding the same. The statement read, “Arunachal Pradesh is known for its rich natural heritage and adventurous people fond of exploring the nature for medicinal herbs and possessing traditional flair for hunting which involves surviving off the land for weeks in jungles and far-flung remote areas. During such adventurous forays, at times youth have inadvertently strayed to other side of LAC.”
Meanwhile Kiren Rijiju, a Union Minister said, “The Chinese PLA has confirmed to Indian Army to hand over the youths from Arunachal Pradesh to our side. The handing over is likely to take place anytime tomorrow i.e. 12th September 2020 at a designated location.”
A Defence Spokesperson said, “Three such incidents took place in the current year in Upper Subansiri and West Siang District including the latest one. All such individuals were brought back home safely after consistent efforts and coordination by the Indian Army in the past.”
The youths were handed over to Indian authorities in Damai near Kibithu in Anjaw district of eastern Arunachal Pradesh. Kibithu (Arunachal Pradesh) and Damai (China) are places for India-China border meetings.
Stay tuned for further updates.
