ES Newsdesk 

ITANAGAR, Aug 25: The search and rescue team  to find missing Everester Tapi Mra and his aide Niku Dao has completed  its third search operation at Mount Khyarisattam. The operation was fraught with difficulties due to drastic changes in the topography, which both increased its viability and the danger faced by the team, informed family members of Tapi Mra.
Speaking to the media, Yatok Mra Nilo, the sister of Tapi Mra, expressed that the fluctuating adverse weather conditions forced the team to make the tough decision to suspend the operation. The movement of glaciers and the thick ice cover in the region added to the complexity of the search.
Nilo acknowledged that due to the ever-changing conditions and challenges, the search operation was being put on hold, with the family planning to resume their efforts for next year. She also urged the state government to provide assistance whenever necessary.
According to regulations, a missing person can only be declared legally deceased after a waiting period of 7 years from the time of their disappearance. Nilo explained that although one year has already passed, they are committed to continuing their search for solid evidence of their loved ones' fate during this time.
This effort is vital not only for closure but also to access government benefits that are applicable, given Tapi Mra's status as a government employee.
The objective of Tapi Mra and Niku Dao's expedition to Mount Khyarisattam was to chart a proper route that would contribute to establishing the state as an adventure tourism hub, she added . Nilo also shared that their goal was to transform the region into a hotspot for adventure sports. She expressed disappointment at the lack of understanding from some quarters, leading to negative remarks about their mission.
Though no substantial evidence beyond a water bottle has been found to confirm their fate, Nilo revealed that the family holds an optimistic outlook and will continue to search for conclusive evidence. Speaking at a press conference, she appealed to the state government to clear the Rs. 74 lakhs budget allocated by the family for search and rescue operations and related expenses.
Nilo disclosed that the state government had provided Rs. 20 lakhs during the most recent search and rescue operation. However, this amount was primarily used to hire experts from Nepal, cover transportation costs, and compensate porters and team members. With the conclusion of the third operation, the financial burden now rests on the family.
Throughout the entire search operation, the family undertook all expenditures without any support from the state government, managing expenses through loans. Nilo stressed the importance of the state government clearing the pending bill submitted by the family to ensure their financial stability.
Furthermore, when asked about the family's demands, Nilo revealed that their request for action against the former District Commissioner of East Kameng district, as well as the naming of an indoor stadium in Daporijo after Tapi Mra, remain unaddressed by the state government. Additionally, the family's appeals for financial assistance for Niku Dao's family and a government job for a member of Tapi Mra's family are yet to be fulfilled.
Earlier, Everester Tagit Sorang claimed that despite repeated pleas and clearance from higher authority helicopter service was not provided to the team. “As per Indian Army, the adverse weather condition is the sole reason behind not providing helicopter, however, the weather in the operation area was fine. So, I assume that, the Army might believe that the area is under the international border between China (Tibet) and India, but we can strongly affirm that Mount Khyarisattam belongs to India," asserted Sorang. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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