China hands over 5 Arunachal youths 1000 km away near India-China-Myanmar tri-junction

GUWAHATI: China on Saturday handed over the five youths from Arunachal Pradesh, who were in Chinese PLA captivity since September 1.
Defence PRO Lt Col P Khongsai said, “Indian Army took over all five individuals at Kibithu on 12 Sep 2020 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.”
The five youths, according to Army, had “inadvertently strayed to the other side of the LAC” in Upper Subansiri district, which is located northern part of Arunachal Pradesh. Bu, the youths were handed over at Kibithu in Anjaw district, which is the easternmost district of the state near the India-China-Myanmar border tri-junction.
“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. Indian Army has always been proactive in tracing the lost locals and helping them return home,” the defence PRO said.
Three such incidents took place in the current year in Upper Subansiri and West Siang District including the latest one. “All such individuals were brought back home safely after consistent efforts and coordination by Indian Army in the past,” the PRO added.
“In the latest case, five individuals from Upper Subansiri District had also inadvertently strayed across LAC recently. Indian Army approached PLA on hotline to trace and return them. On September 8, response on the hotline confirmed that the missing individuals had been traced,” the PRO said.