Army Activates Hotline With PLA Over 17-Yr-Old 'Abducted' from Arunachal; Oppn Seeks Answers

The Indian Army has activated the hotline with PLA over reports that the Chinese Army has kidnapped a 17-year-old boy from Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district.

Sources in the defence establishment said: “Regarding the incident of the missing youth named Miram Taron from Arunachal Pradesh, it is informed that on receipt of the information, the Indian Army immediately contacted the PLA through established mechanism of hotline informing that an individual, who was collecting herbs and hunting, has lost his way and cannot be found. Assistance from PLA has been sought to locate the individual on their side and return him as per established protocol.”

On Wednesday, BJP MP Tapir Gao said PLA had abducted a 17-year-old boy from inside Indian territory in Arunachal Pradesh.

Taron's friend Johny Yaiying, who managed to escape, informed the authorities about the kidnapping by the PLA, Gao told PTI over phone from Ziro, the district headquarters of Lower Subansiri district. Both are local hunters and belong to Zido village. The MP said the incident took place near the place where Tsangpo river enters India in Arunachal Pradesh.

Tsangpo is called as Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and Brahmaputra in Assam.

Earlier, Gao tweeted: “Chinese #PLA has abducted Sh Miram Taron, 17 years of Zido vill. yesterday 18th Jan 2022 from inside Indian territory, Lungta Jor area (China built 3-4 kms road inside India in 2018) under Siyungla area (Bishing village) of Upper Siang dist, Arunachal Pradesh”.

“His friend escaped from PLA and reported to the authorities. All the agencies of Govt of India are requested to step up for his early release,” he said in another tweet and posted pictures of the abducted boy.

Gao also said that he has informed Union Minister of State for Home Nisith Pramanik about the incident and requested him to take necessary action in this regard. He tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Indian Army in his tweets.

Former MP of Arunachal Ninong Ering said the developments were shocking and “Chinese intrusion in our land must be checked”.

Speaking to News18, Ering said: “The border is extensive and not guarded at places. Abduction and incursion is on and needs to be taken up seriously. We should make China realise and be aware of us.”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted on the issue, saying India stood with the youth’s family.

In September 2020, the PLA had abducted five youths from Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Subansiri district and released them after about a week.

The latest incident came at a time when the Indian army continues to be engaged in a stand-off with the PLA in eastern Ladakh since April 2020. India shares a 3,400 km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh.

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