IAF chopper missing in action

ITANAGAR, March 1: An Indian Air Force chopper MI-8 with six crew members, including two pilots, on a ration sortie to remote Tali bordering China in Lower Subansiri of this frontier State, has been reportedly missing since February 26, delayed official sources said. Speaking to this correspondent over from Ziro today, Keshav Chandra, deputy commissioner, Lower Subansiri district said that the chopper went missing after dropping ration of about 2.5 mt of rations at Tali at around 3.15 p.m. and lost contact immediately after 15 minutes on that fateful day. Squadron leader A Raju and co-pilot, squadron leader Panwar, two gunners and two helpers were on the board. A round-the-clock massive search operation involving 72 police personnel and Assam Rifles jawans including local residents under the supervisions of circle officer Tali are on job since February 26 night", Chandra said.