Missing IAF Aircraft Update: Search intensifies

The search for the missing IAF AN-32 Aircraft is still on.In an effort a joint operation of the civil police, army and AirForce isunderway in a suspected crash location in an area of about 2500 sq km whichfalls under the Kaying and Payum circle of Arunachal Pradesh's Siang District.

The Arunachal DGP has informed that three persons from the Tumbinvillage had seen a thick black smoke originating from a different mountainon the day and time of incident. The site is located at an aerial distance ofabout 7kms towards the Molo village.

Further, the DGP stated that in addition to three searchparties, one party from Shi- Yomi district and one Army team is also climbingto possible locations in search of the aircraft.

It may be noted that the search is impossible in themountainous terrain without the help of the locals. Therefore, three to fourlocals have been involved in each team to trace out the missing Aircraft andthe people on-board.

The teams have been divided into three ranges – Bayorrange (in front of Tumbin village), Pari (in front of molo village and Sibir-Virgong mountain range (between Molo- Tumbin). All these ranges fall under thePayum administrative circle and are in the line of Aircraft route. Necessarylogistic support have been provided to them.

The Bayor team had also tracked yesterday but could not findout any trace of the aircraft.