IAF felicitates civilians involved in An-32 search and recovery op

AALO, Sep 19: The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday felicitated the civilians who were involved in the search and recovery of the IAF’s An-32 aircraft that had crashed into Pari mountain near Gate village on 3 June.
Attending the felicitation function at the advanced landing ground here in West Siang district, Eastern Air Command Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Air Marshal RD Mathur, said he was indebted to the state administration led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, the chief secretary, the DCs and the SPs of Siang, West Siang and Shi-Yomi districts, and all others who were directly or indirectly involved in locating the crash site and recovering the mortal remains along with the black box and personal belongings of the crew members.
The air marshal disbursed commendation certificates along with Rs 5 lakhs which had been announced for those who offered any help in locating the crash site.
DLRSO Pumek Ronya, the then Kaying EAC (in-charge), received Rs 1 lakh on behalf of the Siang administration, to be distributed among the ground search team.
Tadut Tachung, who provided crucial input on the deviation of the aircraft, was awarded Rs 1, 50,000.
A cash amount of Rs 35,000 along with a commendation certificate and an ‘AOC-in-C medal’ was awarded to Everester Taka Tamut. Another Everester, Kishon Tekseng, was awarded Rs 20,000 along with a certificate of appreciation.
Mountaineers Tagung Tamut, Talik Darung and Okenma Mize were awarded Rs 15,000 each, along with certificates of appreciation.
The HGBs of Gaseng, Gate and Payum were awarded Rs 50,000 each on behalf of the people who were engaged in the search operation.
West Siang DC Swetika Sachan, Siang SP Kushal Pal Singh, APEDA Deputy Director Somar Potom and Pumek Ronya, who were instrumental in the month-long aerial and ground search operation, were also present during the felicitation programme.
Miging CO Khoda Bhatt had also coordinated with the ground search team from Upper Siang district. (DIPRO)