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🇳🇵 Nepal /Technology

Two Nepalis freed after China detains them over cross-border drone flight

From Kathmandu Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Two Nepali youths detained by Chinese authorities for flying a drone across the Nepal-China border were released.
  • Chinese border security handed the youths over to Nepali authorities at the Miteri bridge in Tatopani.
  • The release followed official diplomatic correspondence and legal procedures by the Chinese side.

Two Nepali youths, Manoj Prajapati from Kathmandu and 17-year-old Sudip Thapa Magar from Bhaktapur, have been released by Chinese authorities after their detention for allegedly flying a drone across the Nepal-China border. The incident occurred in the Lapchi area of Sindhupalchok.

They were expected to be released on Thursday, but some formalities were still pending. They were handed over on Friday.

— Padamraj TimilsinaChief of Tatopani Immigration Office, confirming the release details.

Chinese border security personnel and immigration officials handed the pair over to Nepali authorities at the Miteri bridge in Tatopani. Padamraj Timilsina, chief of the Tatopani Immigration Office, confirmed the release, stating that the Chinese side completed its legal procedures. "They were expected to be released on Thursday, but some formalities were still pending. They were handed over on Friday," Timilsina said.

Nepal had formally requested the youths' release through official diplomatic channels. The Chinese authorities conducted questioning and completed the necessary legal process. Timilsina mentioned that the Chinese side expressed concern that the drone footage of its territory might have been captured under someone else's direction. "We coordinated with them and exchanged the necessary official communications on the matter," he added.

We coordinated with them and exchanged the necessary official communications on the matter.

— Padamraj TimilsinaExplaining the diplomatic process following the drone incident.

The two youths had traveled to Lapchi as tourists and flew a drone near the border. After the drone crossed into Chinese territory, they were detained and held in Nyalam County. Both are reported to be safe and in good health. Security surveillance along the Nepal-China border has been heightened in recent years due to increased cross-border movement.

Both youths are safe and in good health.

— Padamraj TimilsinaReporting on the condition of the released Nepali youths.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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