PLA releases 5 Arunachal youths

Kolkata, September 12

The five Arunachal Pradesh youths, whose “disappearance” had triggered a diplomatic row between India and China, were today handed over to the Indian Army by the Chinese PLA at Kibitu. “Absolutely glad to know that five of our Arunachali youths have been safely handed over to Indian Army. I am wholeheartedly thankful to the Govt of India and the Indian Army for their persistent effort in securing their return (sic),” Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu tweeted.

Dehradun: Amid the ongoing standoff with China along the LAC, Central Air Command chief Air Marshal Rajesh Kumar met Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat to seek land for setting up facilities that would help the IAF carry out its activities in border areas. Uttarakhand shares its borders with China and Nepal. PTI

While the local media had reported that the youths were “abducted” by the PLA, the Army today said they had “inadvertently strayed to the other side of the LAC”. Lt Col Harsh Wardhan Pande, spokesperson for the Tezpur-headquartered 4 Corps, said instances of Indian nationals unknowingly trespassing into the Chinese side and landing in the custody of the PLA were not uncommon. — TNS