On Thursday, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) handed over 19-year-old boy Miram Taron to the Indian Army, who had gone missing after crossing the LAC at Arunachal Pradesh. Confirming the return of the young boy, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that the procedures and Miram’s medical examination were being taken care of.

Kiren Rijiju informed that Miram Taron was handed over to the Indian Army by PLA soldiers at the WACHA-DAMAI interaction point in Arunachal Pradesh today.

This is exactly a day after the Indian Army had exchanged hotline discussions with the Chinese PLA on the matter on Republic Day. The PLA had responded positively and indicated that they would repatriate Toran to India at the suggested place of release after completing necessary formalities.

On January 18, Miram Taron of Siang had gone missing from the state of Arunachal Pradesh after he was allegedly kidnapped by the Chinese military. Taron’s friend Johny Yaiying, who managed to escape, had informed the authorities about the kidnapping by the PLA, state MP Tapir Gao had said.

While there were reports of alleged abduction by China, the Chinese PLA denied the allegations and later confirmed that a missing boy was found on their side of the border.

After the course of action initiated by the Indian Army, the Chinese side on January 20 sought details of Miram Taron to confirm the identity and later agreed to evacuate him back to India. The Indian and Chinese armies yesterday had finalized the time and place for Taron’s repatriation.

It is worth noting that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had corneredthe government over Taron’s disappearance. Tweeting in Hindi he had said, “Just days ahead of Republic day the Chinese have abducted an Indian citizen, we are with the family of Miram Taron, and we will not lose hope and will not accept defeat. But Prime Minister’s silence is his statement that it does not bother him”.

What happened earlier

Chinese army accused of abduction

The Indian Army had stated earlier that when they received information about Taron, they immediately contacted the PLA through an established hotline system and informed that a man, who was collecting herbs and hunting, has lost his way and could not return. It was alleged that the boy was kidnapped by the Chinese PLA.

Arunachal Pradesh MP Tapir Gao alleged in a tweet on Wednesday that the Chinese PLA has abducted 17-year-old Miram Touren of Jido village. Taron’s friend Johnny Yaying managed to escape and informed the authorities about the kidnapping by the PLA. Gao said the incident happened near the point from where the Tsangpo river enters India in Arunachal Pradesh. Tsangpo is called Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and Brahmaputra in Assam.

Tapir Gao had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, and others to ensure the early release of the kidnapped boy. Accordingly, the process to bring him back is initiated. The Indian Army will first confirm his identity for the same.

Rahul Gandhi attacks government

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi has attacked the government even after the army has initiated the process to bring the teenager back. Rahul Gandhi has posted in a tweet ‘Sarkar ho to farz nibhao, Miram Taron ko wapas laao’ which means ‘if you are the government, then you abide by your duty and bring back Miram Taron’.

References:

opindia.com - OpIndia Staff