Itanagar: An army porter who had been missing for nearly three weeks in Arunachal Pradesh’s Upper Siang district was rescued alive following a gruelling multi-agency search and rescue operation, officials said on Monday.
The porter, Unnot Taye, a resident of Akshipur village in Assam’s Dhemaji district, had gone missing on September 20 in the Midak area, around 25 km from Panggo village, while returning from duty.
Taye was among 12 porters from Assam engaged by a contractor on September 17 to work along the Panggo–Jorging foot track in the Tengo-1 and Tengo-2 border zones.
When he failed to return, a missing report was filed at Tuting Police Station on September 23.
A large-scale search operation was immediately launched under Tuting Officer-in-Charge Jumken Rina, with active support from local NGOs, army porters, villagers from Panggo and Migging, and community leaders including gaon burahs and gram panchayat chairpersons.
The joint team scoured dense forests, steep ridges, and riverbanks along the Shirapate river from September 21 to October 9, enduring heavy rains and treacherous terrain.
Relief came on October 10, when another porter from Kugging village spotted Taye in an unconscious state near Midak Camp.
Responding swiftly, a rescue team comprising police personnel, medical staff, and local volunteers — including members of the Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society — reached the spot and provided immediate aid.
Dr. Maktel Yompang, the medical officer at Tuting, stabilised Taye before he was carried on foot for nearly 25 kilometres through rugged terrain to the nearest road point on October 11.
From there, he was evacuated to Yingkiong District Hospital the next day and later shifted to Bakin Pertin General Hospital, Pasighat, on October 13 for further treatment.
ALSO READ: Elderly woman found murdered at her residence in Manipur
After being declared stable, Taye was reunited with his family on the same day.
Expressing gratitude, Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang hailed the rescue as a testament to teamwork and perseverance.
“The successful recovery of Unnot Taye is the result of tireless coordination, unity, and dedication shown by all agencies and local volunteers,” Jerang said.
He also lauded Upper Siang SP Token Saring, Tuting ADC Pandov Perme, SI Jumken Rina, Dr. Yompang, and all community members involved for their humanitarian efforts and commitment to saving lives.
