Guwahati, 26 July (HS): The 26-member Assam Forest Department team that had gone missing during a patrol in the remote forests along the Dima Hasao–Karbi Anglong and Nagaland border has been found safe after an intensive two-day search operation.

Assam Forest Minister Jayanta Malla Baruah shared the update on social media, stating that the team, comprising 23 forest personnel from the Langting, Manderdisa, Hathikhola and Maibang forest ranges along with three other staff members, had lost contact with headquarters while conducting a patrol in a dense forest area with poor mobile connectivity.

Following nearly two days without communication, the Forest Department, Assam Police and the district administration launched a large-scale search operation. The effort included drone surveillance and assistance from a senior Indian Forest Service (IFS) team.

Baruah said the incident highlights the difficult conditions under which forest personnel work to protect forests, wildlife and the state's natural heritage in some of the most inaccessible regions. He thanked all agencies involved in the successful search and praised the courage, dedication and unwavering commitment of the forest staff.

According to sources, the team had left on July 23 for a forest patrol and survey in the Langting, Maibang and Khepre areas. The group included two Range Officers, an Assistant Range Officer, Foresters and Forest Guards. Their last communication with departmental officials was on the evening of July 24, after which their mobile phones became unreachable due to poor network coverage. Contact was finally re-established on Sunday, confirming that all members of the team are safe.----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash