Arunachal: All 7 Army men hit by avalanch dead

All seven missing Army personnel who were struck by an avalanche in high altitude area of Kameng Sector in Arunachal Pradesh on February 6 were dead, the Indian Army said. The seven Army personnel were part of a patrol team and had gone missing fter being hit by the avalanche in Tawang district. Defence minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences over the deaths. In a tweet, Singh wrote, “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.”

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu also shared his grief over the loss of the lives. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives of Army personnel who were struck by an avalanche while on a patrol at a high altitude area in Arunachal Pradesh. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. Their selfless service to the nation will always be remembered.” Tezpur-based Defence PRO Lt Col Harsh Wardhan Pande had said a search and rescue operation was underway. "Specialised teams have been airlifted to assist in rescue operations. The area has been witnessing inclement weather with heavy snowfall since the last few days," Lt Col had said.Indian Army on Tuesday said that search and rescue operations have been concluded and bodies of all seven individuals have been recovered from the avalanche site. It added, unfortunately, despite the best efforts of everyone involved, all seven have been confirmed deceased. The area, located at an altitude of 14 thousand 500 feet, had been witnessing inclement weather with heavy snowfall for the last few days.