In a remarkable display of resilience and coordinated effort, an army porter who had been missing for 20 days in the remote Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh has been safely rescued. The porter, identified as Unnot Taye from Assam’s Dhemaji district, had gone missing on September 20 while returning from duty in the Midak area.
Taye was part of a group of 11 porters engaged for work in the challenging border regions of Tengo-1 and Tengo-2. His failure to return prompted a missing person report on September 23, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation. The operation, spearheaded by the Tuting police station and led by Officer-in-Charge Jumken Rina, saw the active involvement of NGOs, fellow army porters, and dedicated villagers from Panggo and Migging. Local leaders, including head gaon burahs and gram panchayat chairpersons, provided crucial guidance.
For nearly three weeks, from September 21 to October 9, the joint team braved dense forests, steep terrains, and riverbanks, including those of the Shirapate river, under arduous conditions. Their perseverance paid off on October 10 when another army porter spotted Taye near Midak Camp in an unconscious state.
Prompt action followed as a dedicated rescue team, comprising police personnel, medical staff, and members of the Arunachal Pradesh Women Welfare Society, rushed to the location. Dr. Maktel Yompang, the Tuting medical officer, administered critical on-site medical aid. Taye was then carried for nearly 25 kilometers on foot through difficult terrain to reach the nearest road point on October 11.
Subsequently, Taye was transported to the District Hospital in Yingkiong on October 12 and later transferred to Bakin Pertin General Hospital in Pasighat for advanced treatment. Following medical evaluation and stabilization, he was joyfully reunited with his family on the same day.
Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang lauded the unwavering dedication and collaborative spirit of all individuals and teams involved in the rescue. “The successful rescue of Unnot Taye is a testament to the tireless efforts, unity, and commitment shown by all teams and local volunteers,” Jerang stated, expressing gratitude to SP Token Saring, ADC Pandov Perme, SI Jumken Rina, Dr. Yompang, and everyone who contributed to this humanitarian success.