TAWANG, AUG 22:

A 29-year-old man was swept away while swimming in the Nyamjangchu River near Namtsering village under Lumla Circle in Tawang district on Saturday, prompting a search operation by local residents and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel.

The missing man, a resident of Jangda and son of former Tawang District Medical Officer Dr Wangdi Lama, was travelling towards Zemithang with six friends when they were reportedly forced to halt after the road leading to Zemithang was blocked.

The group later stopped near the river, where some members went swimming. The 29-year-old was swept away by the strong current while in the river.

Local residents of Namtsering immediately joined the search, while SSB personnel launched an operation along the river. Lumla Circle Officer Tseten Droima reached the spot and is overseeing the search and rescue efforts in coordination with the local administration, SSB personnel and villagers.

Strong currents and difficult terrain have posed challenges to the operation, which continued along downstream stretches of the Nyamjangchu River.

Authorities and local residents have urged people to exercise extreme caution near rivers, particularly during periods of strong currents and adverse weather conditions. (Source: Mon Tawang Vigilance)