Arunachal Pradesh: All seven army personnel hit by avalanche dead; president, PM express grief
The bodies of the soldiers were found two days after they went missing in the Kameng sector. The area has been witnessing heavy snowfall for the last few days
Representational image. News18
The bodies of all seven army personnel who went missing after their patrol was struck by an avalanche in Arunachal Pradesh were found on Tuesday, the Indian Army said.
The army had launched a search and rescue operation after the soldiers went missing on Sunday.
"Bodies of all seven individuals have been recovered from the avalanche site. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of everyone involved, all seven have been confirmed deceased," an official told PTI.
Seven Army personnel who were struck by avalanche in high altitude area of Kameng Sector in Arunachal Pradesh on 6 Feb have been confirmed dead, their bodies retrieved from the avalanche site: Indian Army pic.twitter.com/2SZMML8GzC
— ANI (@ANI) February 8, 2022
"The bodies of the soldiers are currently being transferred from the avalanche site to the nearest Army medical facility for further formalities," the official added.
On 6 January, seven army personnel went missing after a patrol team was hit by an avalanche in Kameng sector of Arunachal Pradesh. According to PTI, the area located at an altitude of 14,500 feet had been witnessing inclement weather with heavy snowfall for the last few days.
Among those who expressed their grief over the incident were president Ram Nath Kovind, prime minister Narendra Modi, defence minister Rajnath Singh, former Indian Army chief General Ved Malik, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
The President of India tweeted:
The death of soldiers due to an avalanche in Arunachal Pradesh is a tragedy beyond words. The brave soldiers laid down their lives for the service of the nation. Their selfless sacrifice will always be remembered. My condolences to their families. — President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) February 8, 2022
PM Modi tweeted:
Sadddened by the loss of lives of Indian Army personnel due to an avalanche in Arunachal Pradesh. We will never forget their exemplary service to our nation. Condolences to the bereaved families.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2022
Rajnath Singh tweeted:
Deeply pained by the demise of Indian Army personnel who were struck by an avalanche in Kemang Sector, Arunachal Pradesh. These brave soldiers lost their lives while serving the nation. I salute their courage and service. My heartfelt condolences to their bereaved families. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 8, 2022
Malik tweeted:
Tragic! Salute to the bravehearts! Jai Hind 🇮🇳 — Ved Malik (@Vedmalik1) February 8, 2022
Rahul Gandhi tweeted:
Saddened to know of the death of Army Personnel in avalanche tragedy in Arunachal Pradesh. My deepest condolences to their family and friends. We salute the martyrs. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 8, 2022
With inputs from agencies
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