Two Nepali youths detained by Chinese authorities for allegedly flying a drone across the Nepal-China border in the Lapchi area of Sindhupalchok were released on Friday.

Chinese border security personnel and immigration officials handed the two over to Nepali authorities at the Miteri (friendship) bridge in Tatopani. They were received by Padamraj Timilsina, chief of Tatopani Immigration Office, Inspector Lilaram Phunjel at the Armed Police Force Border Outpost (BOP) Tatopani and other government representatives.

Timilsina said the Chinese side released the pair after completing its legal procedures.

“They were expected to be released on Thursday, but some formalities were still pending. They were handed over on Friday. We will now complete the necessary procedures before returning them to their families,” he said.

He said the authorities had already been in contact with the families of both youths. Nepal had formally requested their release through official diplomatic correspondence, after which the Chinese authorities carried out questioning and completed the required legal process.

“The Chinese side appeared concerned that the drone footage of its territory might have been captured at someone else’s direction. We coordinated with them and exchanged the necessary official communications on the matter,” Timilsina said.

The two are Manoj Prajapati of Kathmandu and 17-year-old Sudip Thapa Magar of Bhaktapur. They had travelled to Lapchi as tourists and flew a drone near the border, police said. After the drone crossed into Chinese territory, Chinese security personnel detained them.

They were held in Nyalam County in China following their detention.

“Both youths are safe and in good health,” Timilsina said.

Security surveillance along the Nepal-China border has been tightened in recent years as cross-border movement in the area has increased.