Picture : Twitter / ANI
Five Indian nationals who had gone missing from villages in Arunachal Pradesh near the border of China earlier this month have been handed over by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA), the Indian Army said.
Indian Army took the handover of all five Indian nationals at Kibithu border post after completing all the formalities.
“Individuals will now be quarantined for 14 days as per COVID-19 protocol and will thereafter be handed over to their family members,” a Defence spokesperson said in a statement.
“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,” the statement read.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju too thanked Indian Army for securing the smooth return of five men from the state, who had recently gone missing.
“China’s PLA has handed over our 5 boys to our side here at Kibitu area. 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,” said Rijiju said in a tweet.
China’s PLA has handed over our 5 boys to our side here at Kibitu area. 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. pic.twitter.com/OtUKEa0kaR
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) September 12, 2020
