All 7 Indian Army Personnel Struck by Avalanche in Arunachal Dead; PM Modi Extends Condolences

Seven Indian Army personnel, who went missing after an avalanche struck a high-altitude area of Arunachal Pradesh’s Kameng Sector, have been confirmed dead. Indian Army stated that the bodies have been retrieved.

“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,” said an official. The official said the area, located at an altitude of 14,500 feet, had been witnessing inclement weather with heavy snowfall in the last few days. “The bodies of the soldiers are currently being transferred from the avalanche site to the nearest Army medical facility for further formalities,” the official said.

The deceased Army personnel were part of a patrolling team and were hit by the avalanche on February 6. Earlier, specialised teams were pressed into service to assist in the search and rescue operations.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives. He 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.”

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to extend his condolences to the grieving families. “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,” he wrote.

West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee also expressed her condolences, saying that “Our jawans are selflessly striving for our safety & security. My salute to the jawans.”

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Brig (Retd) BD Mishra and Chief Minister Pema Khandu were others who expressed shock over the loss of seven soldiers. The governor, who closely monitored the search and rescue operation with top Army commanders since Sunday when the soldiers went missing, expressing deep sorrow over the incident said that the loss is a big shock to the bereaved families, the Army and to the people of India.

Mishra said that the enterprise of these bravehearts to secure the territorial integrity of the motherland, in spite of the vagaries of weather and difficult terrain will always inspire the people of the state and the nation. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the deceased soldiers in this hour of grief and I pray for the secure future of their kith and kin, the governor said. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families on behalf of the people of the state and prayed for eternal peace for the departed souls.

Khandu also mourned the death of the soldiers in the line of duty. He posted on Twitter saying Deeply saddened by the loss of lives of 7 brave Indian Army jawans, who were trapped in an avalanche in Arunachal Pradesh.

My deepest condolences to the bereaved families on their tragic loss. May God give them enough strength to bear the irreparable loss. #OmShanti, the chief minister tweeted.

(With PTI inputs)

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