Search and rescue operation by helicopters to locate the missing Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-32 aircraft on Thursday morning was affected due to rains and bad weather but resumed after the weather improved, defence sources said.
As per sources, search and rescue operation is being carried out in Siang district and its adjoining areas in Arunachal Pradesh.
Expressing concern over the safety of the IAF crew and five passengers traveling in IAF AN-32 aircraft from Jorhat in Assam to Mechuka in Arunachal Pradesh which went missing on Monday and till day three having no clue on its whereabouts, chief minister Pema Khandu has called all the district administrations of Siang, West Siang, Lower Siang and Shi-Yomi to intensify search operation.
It may be mentioned that the DCs of these districts are in close coordination with the IAF and helping them out with all possible means.
Deputy commissioners of Siang and West Siang apprised the chief minister about the steps initiated by them to trace the missing aircraft and said that they are working in close coordination with each other. They arranged three teams consisting of three to four locals in each team to trace out the missing aircraft and the people onboard, the chief minister’s office (CMO) said in a release on Thursday.
Meanwhile, a joint effort by civil police, army and Air Force is in force to search the crashed location in an area of about 2500 sq km fall under Kaying and Payum circle of Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. But till now no exact location was found out, it said. (UNI)
Today three person of Tumbin village stated that on the incident day and time when they were doing field work saw a thick black smoke which was originating from a different mountain which has a aerial distance of about 7/8 KM towards the Molo village. This fact is also being verified. In addition to three search parties, tomorrow one party from Shi- Yomi district and one party of Army is also climbing to possible locations to search the Aircraft, the DGP informed the CMO, the release said.
CM has asked the concerned DCs to intensify the search operation and also appealed the villagers of the adjoining areas falling in the probable route of the aircraft to provide any sort of information to the nearest administrative headquarter or police outpost.
He also appealed them to join in the search operation so that the missing aircraft and the crew and passengers on board could be traced out at the earliest.
