IAF chopper on rescue mission goes missing in Arunachal Pradesh

An IAF chopper, which was on a flood victim rescue mission, with three crew members on board, went missing near Sagalee in Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh today, the defence officials said.

The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) lost contact soon after its take off from Sagalee at around 3.50 pm before the rescue, Defence PRO Lt Col Sambit Ghosh said.

The chopper was evacuating people, stranded at Sagalee due to landslides, triggered by rains.

Sources at the chief minister's office here said Chief Minister Pema Khandu was monitoring the situation.

Directives have been issued to the administration and the police to extend all possible help in the search and rescue operation.

The villagers have also asked to help the administration in locating the missing chopper, the sources said.

Earlier today, a chopper carrying Union Minister of State Kiren Rijiju on board made an emergency landing in Itanagar due to the bad weather.

''Weather turbulent in North-East.I'm safe but whole State machinery geared up to locate IAF ALH chopper missing almost at same time'' ANI quoted MoS Kiren Rijiju as saying.