Arunachal Pradesh: 14-member search team sets out to find Tapi Mra, Niku Dao

By Marina Dai

A 14-member search team including Yatok Mra Nilo, sister of missing mountaineer Tapi Mra, has embarked on its mission to find mountaineer Mra and his aide Niku Dao, who has been missing for 9 months.

Everester Tagit Sorang is leading the team, which also includes mountaineers Agit Sorang, Tame Bagang, Gelje Sherpa and Furi Sherpa

Before setting off for the mission, Tagit Sorang said that if weather permits the search operation will begin with the helicopter service of the Army.

Tagit Sorang said, “A 25-member advanced team has already left, they will report to us in Seppa. We are going to Seppa, after reaching there we will do the forward planning. Everything depends on the weather conditions, requisition by state government for helicopter service of the Army. If that does not happen we will go on foot.”

Sorang also informed that the team is well equipped with all the necessary items.

He said, “We are carrying equipment which can be used in high altitudes. We are taking everything which is necessary for us. We have brought metal detectors, oxygen cylinders, mask regulators etc. from Nepal along with the sherpas. The Director of Sports have bought tents from Pune, which we are taking with us. We also have received clothing such as wind cheaters from NIMAS.”

Earlier, Tapi Mra’s sister, Yatok had informed Northeast Live that initially the search was to begin on July 1 but was delayed due to lack of funds and proper logistics.

It may be mentioned here that Mra and Dao went missing on August 17 August, 2022 while attempting to scale Mt Khyarii Satam in East Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh.

The Indian Army had called off the search operation on September 21, 2022 citing poor visibility and inclement weather.

Although it seems to be a challenging task for the search team to carry out such a daring mission in the rough terrain coupled with harsh weather conditions, hopes are still alive that both Tapi Mra and Niku Dao will reunite with their family members soon.