Indian Boy Found in Chinese Territory After Being Abducted by PLA

Strategic Insights -

A 17-year-old Indian boy from Arunachal Pradesh was allegedly abducted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) from inside Indian territory, sparking concerns over the safety of the region's border residents. Initial reports suggested that the boy had been taken by the PLA on January 18, 2022, from the Lungta Jor area, which is located near the India-China border. The Indian Army immediately contacted the PLA through a hotline and requested assistance in locating and returning the boy, as per protocol.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PLA has confirmed locating the missing Indian boy from Arunachal Pradesh in their territory, as per due procedure.
  • The incident occurred on January 18, 2022, when a 17-year-old boy named Miram Taron was allegedly abducted by the PLA from inside Indian territory.
  • The Indian Army contacted the PLA through a hotline and requested assistance in locating and returning the boy, as per protocol.
  • This is not the first incident of PLA kidnapping from Arunachal Pradesh, as five boys were kidnapped in September 2020 from the Upper Subansiri district and released after about a week.
  • Arunachal Pradesh shares a 1,080-km border with China, 520 kms with Myanmar, and 217 kms with Bhutan.
  • The incident highlights the concerns over the safety of the region's border residents and the need for strict vigilance along the India-China border.

Statistics:

  • 17: The age of the Indian boy abducted by the PLA.
  • 1,080 km: The length of the border shared by Arunachal Pradesh with China.
  • 520 km: The length of the border shared by Arunachal Pradesh with Myanmar.
  • 217 km: The length of the border shared by Arunachal Pradesh with Bhutan.
  • September 2020: The month and year when five boys were kidnapped by the PLA from Arunachal Pradesh's Upper Subansiri district.
  • 1 week: The duration for which the five boys were held captive by the PLA in 2020.

Sources:

  • "Lt Col Harshvardhan Pandey told ET, 'PLA has confirmed locating a boy and due procedure is being followed.'" - Times of India, January 20, 2022
  • Arunachal Pradesh BJP MP Tapir Gao's tweet: "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."
  • Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu's statement: "The Defence Ministry through the diplomatic channel took up the matter.I am optimistic that the youth would be released and return to his village soon."