[ Prem Chetry ]

TAWANG, 23 Aug: A 29-year-old man was swept away in the Nyamjangchu river near Namtsering village in Lumla circle of Tawang district on Saturday, prompting an intensive search operation.

According to sources, the man was travelling to Zemithang along with six friends. However, the group had to stop due to a road blockage near Namtsering. While waiting for the road to be cleared, some of them entered the river to swim. The strong current reportedly swept away the 29-year-old man at around noon.

A search operation was immediately launched by villagers, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel, and police, and continued until dark.

A massive search operation is currently underway, coordinated by the Lumla police, the 11th PARA, the Special Forces stationed at Baisakhi, SSB personnel, and local residents along the river and its downstream stretches.

The freezing mountain water, treacherous terrain and strong river currents are posing major challenges to the search teams.

Meanwhile, authorities have urged residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution near the Nyamjangchu and other rivers in the region, particularly during heavy rainfall and periods of strong currents.