Itanagar: The Indian Army has launched a search and rescue operation to rescue one of its patrol parties that was reportedly hit by an avalanche between Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang and West Kameng districts on Sunday evening.
“Seven Indian Army Personnel, part of a patrol, are reported to have been struck by an avalanche in the high altitude area of Kameng Sector in Arunachal Pradesh. Search and rescue operations are currently underway,” PRO Defence, Tezpur Lt Col Harsh Wardhan Pande said in a statement on Monday.
Pande said specialized teams have also been airlifted to the area to assist in rescue operations.
Speaking to NewsFy, Dirang police station officer-in-charge sub-inspector, Sang Thinley, said the local police are also coordinating with the army so as to help them in the rescue operation, however, the exact location of the incident is yet to be established.
“We are in constant touch with the Indian Army officers,” he said.
Several parts of Arunachal Pradesh including the Tawang and West Kameng districts have been witnessing inclement weather and heavy snowfall for the past few days.
Reacting to the unfortunate development, Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed hope that the jawans would be rescued soon.
“Praying for the safety of Army personnel hit by the avalanche in Arunachal, and hope that they be rescued safely as early as possible. Indian Army has always stood by us whenever in difficulties. We earnestly pray that no harm comes to our brave Jawans,” the chief minister said on twitter.
This is a developing story.
