Chinese Army Abducts 17 YO Boy from Arunachal Pradesh: Report

TUTING: Miram Taron, a 17-year-old boy was reportedly abducted on 18th of January 2022 by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) from within Indian territory, in the Lungta Jor area (Chinese territory) of Zido village under Tuting circle, Upper Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh.

Tapir Gao, Arunachal Pradesh Lok Sabha MP, 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 eluded the PLA and turned himself in to the authorities. All the agencies of Govt of India is requested to step up for his early release," it added, tagging Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the Indian Army.

Earlier it was informed via a local media that the issue has been forwarded to the Border MOS minister, Chief Secretary, Arunachal Pradesh, and Deputy Commissioner Yingkiong.

Taron and his friend Johny Yaiying (age about 27 years) had been singled out when they were out collecting natural herbs. Bosiram Siram, APCC working president, told TheSpace that it was then, Yaiying "escaped from the PLA" and alerted the authorities.

The alleged abduction occurred near the Tsangpo River's entry into India; the “Tsangpo” is known as the “Siang River” when it enters the state of Arunachal Pradesh and the “Brahmaputra River” when it reaches Assam.

In 2018, the Chinese and Indian military, as well as Chinese construction workers and local people, clashed over the construction of a road in the same location where the youngster went missing.

It may be recalled, back in September 4, 2020, 5 youngsters went missing from the Sino-Indian border in Upper Subansiri district. Kiren Rijiju Law and Justice Minister, erstwhile, Union Sports Minister was the first to report the PLA's confirmation that the youngsters had been abducted from Sera-7, an Army patrol zone about 12 kilometres north of Nacho. Nacho is the last administrative circle on the McMahon line, approximately 120 kilometres from Daporijo, the district headquarters.

“These unfortunate incidents always takes place in Arunachal Pradesh,” Bosiram Siram, APCC, remarked.

It may be mentioned, in the same year the 5 youths went missing, a 21-year-old man was kidnapped by the Chinese Army in the same region before being released after the Indian Army’s intervention.

Meantime, Pasighat West MLA Ninong Ering also called for the safe return of the 17-Year old.

“Chinese Foreign Ministry however has not given a categoric answer to the incident and said that PLA cracks down on illegal border entry and exit,” News Agency ANI reported.

CM Pema Khandu told the media, “Ministry of Defence via their diplomacy channel is working on the said issue and he is optimistic on the abductee’s early release.”