The Indian Army has successfully facilitated the safe return of a 21-year-old Arunachalee youth who had crossed over to Chinese territory in search of herbs on March 19 and had gone missing since.
The youth, who has been identified as Togley Singkam had gone to collect herbs in the Asapila sector near the McMahon line in Upper Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh along with two of his friends.
The McMahon Line demarcates the boundary between the Tibet autonomous region of China and Arunachal Pradesh, which the former claims as its own.
Arunachal shares a total of 1030 kms of international boundary with China.
Where Singkam was reportedly picked up by the Chinese security persons from the Asapila sector, his friends had, however, managed to escape the scene.
A statement from defence PRO Lt Col P Khongsai said, “After the incident came to light, the Indian Army immediately swung into action and approached the Chinese side utilizing the established border management mechanism.”
“Owing to peace and tranquility that exists in the region and the bonhomie that has developed between both the border guarding forces, Singkam was handed over to the Indian Army on Tuesday, Khongsai said.
He said the return of the youth has provided immense relief to the family members and also to the people of the area.
The youth has currently been quarantined by the Indian Army in view of the COVID-19 and would be handed over to his family after 14 days, the PRO said.
Several organizations of the state had earlier appealed the state government to take up the matter with the Centre for the safe release of the man.
The Siyum Nacho Limeking Taksing Students Union had also threatened to launch a democratic movement in the state capital demanding the release of the youth.