DEHRADUN: Prakash Singh Rana, 34, a jawan of 7 Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army, has been missing for a fortnight now with his family unaware of his whereabouts.
The soldier’s wife, Mamta Rana, told TOI, “We last talked on May 27. He sent me a message saying he is fine on May 28. The next day, the battalion’s subedar-major called up saying two men, including Prakash, had gone missing from their post at the India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh.”
She added that since May 29, a few senior officials of Garhwal Rifles had spoken to her but still, there is no trace of her missing husband.
“Both my son and daughter keep repeatedly asking about their father but I have no answer to their queries,” Mamta Rana said, fighting back tears.
The couple’s 10-year old son is a student of Class VII while their seven-year-old daughter is in Class II. The family originally hails from Ukhimath in Rudraprayag and has been staying in Dehradun since 2019.
Prakash Singh Rana had last come home in November last year and spent around two months with his family. He left for his posting on January 23 this year.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA from Sahaspur, Sahdev Pundhir, visited Rana’s residence on Friday and assured the family members that he will take up the matter with the government on priority.
Pundhir met state cabinet ministers on Saturday and also informed Union minister of state for defence, Ajay Bhatt, about the missing soldier.
Speaking to TOI late on Saturday evening, Ajay Bhatt said that “the government and Army are aware of the matter and taking all necessary steps.”
“With the help of local authorities in Arunachal Pradesh, efforts are ongoing to find the jawan,” the Union minister said.