ITANAGAR, Sept 12 - Five youths from Arunachal Pradesh, who were allegedly abducted by China�s People�s Liberation Army (PLA) from near the McMahon Line in Upper Subansiri district, were released today in the eastern Anjaw district. The youths were handed over to the Indian Army by the PLA after completing necessary formalities. They will now be placed under quarantine for 14 days as per the COVID-19 protocol and thereafter, be handed over to their family members, Tezpur-based Defence PRO Lt Col Harsh Wardhan Pande said.
�5 civilians from #UpperSubansiri who had strayed across #LAC have been handed over by #PLA to #IndianArmy at Kibithu on12 Sep after all formalities. After quarantine of 14 days for #COVID19 they will be handed over to family members,� the Defence PRO stated in a tweet. The youths, who had inadvertently strayed across the LAC on September 2 while on an hunting expedition, were allegedly whisked away by the Chinese troops from Sera-7, an Army patrol zone located around 12 km north of Nacho in Upper Subansiri district.
Those who were allegedly abducted by the Chinese Army have been identified as Tanu Bakar, Prasad Ringling, Ngaru Diri, Dongtu Ebiya and Toch Singkam.
The Defence PRO said, �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 youths have inadvertently strayed to the other side of Line of Actual Control (LAC). Three such incidents took place in the current year in Upper Subansiri and West Siang districts, including the latest one. All such individuals were brought back home safely after consistent efforts and coordination by Indian Army.�
Meanwhile, expressing delight over the release of the five Arunachal youths to the Indian Army by the Chinese PLA, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu thanked the Government of India and the Indian Army for their persistent efforts in securing their return.
�Absolutely glad to know that five of our Arunachali youths have been safely handed over to Indian Army by Chinese PLA. I am wholeheartedly thankful to the Govt of India and the Indian Army for their persistent effort in securing their return,� Khandu tweeted.
Besides lauding the Army�s role, Union Sports Minister and Arunachal West MP Kiren Rijiju thanked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for smooth return of the citizens.
�I appreciate Indian Army for the smooth return of our citizens. I thank Indian Army Chief, his office and the local Commanders for constantly following up the matter and regularly updating me on the matter. I also thank Raksha Mantri @rajnathsingh ji for the concern he had shown,� Rijiju said in a series of tweets.
