ITANAGAR, 2 Apr: One person was found dead while his younger brother remains missing after both were swept away by strong currents of the Tissa river in Tirap district, officials said on Thursday.
The incident took place on Wednesday when the two brothers, identified as Wangthoa and Laichat Wangpan from Chasa village, were on their way back home.
According to an official report, the two had earlier travelled to Chopnu village along with three others to purchase meat for the wedding of Laichat, which was scheduled to take place on 7 April.
While returning with two cattle, three members of the group managed to cross the river safely.
However, Wangthoa reportedly slipped and fell into the river.
In an attempt to rescue him, his younger brother Laichat jumped into the water, but both were swept away by the strong currents near Chajanpong point.
The remaining members of the group alerted villagers and relatives, who subsequently lodged missing reports with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other security agencies.
A search operation was launched by the SDRF soon after the incident, though initial efforts were hampered by poor visibility and darkness.
On Thursday, the second day of the search operation, the body of Wangthoa was recovered from the river near Otongkhua village, officials said.
However, Laichat is still missing, and search operations are continuing, the report said.
A joint team comprising SDRF personnel, Assam Rifles, administrative officials led by Longo Circle Officer Bomyir Dirchi, and local villagers is currently engaged in the search operation.
Authorities have also appealed to residents of nearby areas to extend cooperation in locating the missing person. (PTI)
