49 Myanmar Nationals Reported Missing in Changlang Found Safe, Returned Home

District authorities in Changlang have clarified that all 49 Myanmar nationals who were earlier reported missing after entering the district have been accounted for and have since returned to Myanmar.

The issue came to light after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reportedly raised an alert over the individuals, who had entered Changlang through the designated international border crossing at Pangsu Pass in Nampong.

It was initially reported that the 49 individuals had not returned even after their border passes expired. Following the report, the district administration issued an alert and appealed to local residents, including gaon buras, panchayat leaders and other community representatives, to assist in tracing them.

However, a senior district official clarified that there had been no actual disappearance.

“Actually, their biometric entries were not updated by the Assam Rifles, who man the border crossing. We have collected the information and duly informed the higher authorities, including the Home Department, that all of them have returned to Myanmar. The issue has been resolved,” the official said.

The movement of members of local tribal communities across the India-Myanmar border is permitted under the Free Movement Regime (FMR).

Under the arrangement, villagers from both India and Myanmar can travel up to 10 kilometres across the border and stay for up to one week. Officials said most people generally return on the same day, although some may stay longer, particularly for medical reasons.

The district administration said it continues to monitor the movement of people entering India from the Myanmar side, particularly in view of security concerns along the international border.

The authorities have now confirmed that all 49 individuals have safely returned to Myanmar and that the matter has been resolved.