ES Reporter

ITANAGAR, Sep 11:  In a major relief to the family members of the five youths who were allegedly abducted by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) from the McMahon line on September 2 last, the Indian Army and the Union Minister of State for Sports & Youth Affairs, Kiren Rijiju on Friday confirmed that the much-awaited release is about to take place on Saturday.
PRO (Defence) Lieutenant  Colonel Harsh Wardhan Pande  informed that  after persistent efforts by the Indian Army, the 5 hunters from Upper Subansiri, who crossed over the LAC  will finally return to the Indian soil on September 12 and the PLA will officially hand them over to the Indian authorities  at the border of Damai(China), near Lohit Valley in Anjaw district  at around 0930 hrs. 
Confirming the news, Rijiju on Friday tweeted: “The Chinese PLA has confirmed to the 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 the designated location.” 
The incident came to light when two members from the group of youths, who went hunting in the jungle, returned home and informed the families of the five that they were whisked away by the Chinese troops from Sera-7, an army patrol zone located about 12 km further north of Nacho, which is the last Administrative Circle along the McMahon line and is around 120 km from the district headquarters Daporijo. The kidnapped youths were identified as Toch Singkam, Prasad Ringling, Dongtu Ebiya, Tanu Bakar and Ngaru Diri.
Reacting to the report of the release of his brother and four others, Prakash Ringling the elder brother of Prasad Ringling extended his gratitude to the Indian Army and officials from the Central and State governments for their efforts. “We hope they will come home in sound health,” he added. 
Expressing his joy, Reri Delak Bakar, the elder brother of Tanu Bakar also showered gratitude on the Indian Army as well as the PLA for the goodwill gesture and coordination. “Within such a short duration they are releasing our brother which is really appreciable,” he said. 
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Upper Subansiri also expressed his gratitude on the report of the release of the youths.  “The release if done tomorrow is quite faster than the earlier case,” DC stated.
In a similar incident in March this year, one Togley Singkam who had gone to collect herbs in the Asapila sector near the McMahon line in Upper Subansiri district was also reportedly abducted by the PLA and was released in April. With PTI inputs

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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