On Thursday, the family went to the Indian Army camp at Tuting, near their ancestral Zido village, with the authorities hoping to put them in touch with Miram over video-conference. However, bad network conditions at Kibithu, where the handing over of Miram happened, meant they had to settle for a phone call. Hearing his mother's voice after more than a week in Chinese captivity, the 17-year-old broke down.
The entire family had been holding its breath waiting for Miram's return, the 49-year-old Opang told The Indian Express, adding that the authorities would monitor Miram's health and check his Covid status before handing him over.
Jony Yaying, Miram's friend who was with him when China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly spotted him, was called by the Army to Kibithu to officially identify Miram.
Miram was handed over to the Army by the PLA at the Wacha-Damai interaction point in the Kibithu sector around 10.30 am.
Soon after his return, Union minister and BJP leader Kiren Rijiju tweeted, “The Chinese PLA has handed over the young boy from Arunachal Pradesh Shri Miram Taron to Indian Army. Due procedures are being followed including the medical examination.”
He added: “I thank our proud Indian Army for pursuing the case meticulously with PLA and safely securing our young boy back home.”
Opang said: “I asked Miram how he is. He said he's fine. I tried to encourage him and keep up his spirit, told him that the Army officials were there…
