ITANAGAR, Jul 18:  A team comprising of 13 mountaineers including two experts from Nepal, has embarked on a Search and Rescue mission to locate missing Everester Tapi Mra and his assistant Niku Dao who went missing while on their way to explore Mount Kyarisatam in East Kameng district. The team left for Seppa with the flag-off ceremony conducted by Nyato Dukam, MLA of Taliha, in the presence of family members of Tapi Mra  and executives from the Tagin Cultural Society (TCS)  here on Tuesday.
Speaking to the media, MLA Dukam expressed that the state government led by the Chief Minister, along with all four MLAs from Upper Subansiri district, has assured  complete support to the search & rescue team. "As of now, our prayer is for the safe return of the entire team, regardless of the outcome on the ground," he stated.
In response to a request for air service, MLA Dukam confirmed that the government has already engaged with relevant authorities. If the weather permits, a helicopter will be arranged to transport the team to the base camp and facilitate their return, he said.
Natok Mra Nilo, the sister of Everester Tapi Mra, revealed that the operation was initially scheduled to commence on June 1 last. However, due to delay from the authorities, they were forced to begin the mission only now. Nilo expressed her disappointment, stating that the operation initially planned for 60 days, now has limited time left due to delay from both the authorities and unfavorable weather conditions.
Furthermore, she mentioned that they had requested helicopter services during the operation and even sent a letter to the concerned department. However, as of now, they have not received any confirmation from the authorities. In the absence of helicopter support, they will have to proceed on foot, which is not only costly but also poses risks, she said.
Additionally, Nilo emphasized the financial challenges they face, noting that they cannot afford to hire porters at this stage, given the lack of support from the government. Consequently, they are currently managing with their own resources as they cannot wait for assistance from the authorities.
Everester Tapi Mra and his assistant Niku Dao went missing while on their way to explore Mount Kyarisatam in East Kameng in August last year.

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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
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