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Arunachal avalanche: Rescue operation near LAC to resume tomorrow

Itanagar: The Indian Army would resume its search operations on Tuesday to rescue seven of its personnel who were reportedly hit by an avalanche in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district on Sunday evening.

Sources said the army is trying to zero in on a certain area near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh.

“Tuesday’s search operation would be carried out at the “Mummy Head” area near Jangda Village where the seven army personnel of the 19 Jammu & Kashmir Rifles had gone for a routine foot patrol,” sources said, while adding that the local police would also help the army in its operation.

The Jangda village falls under the Lhou circle of Tawang district.

Sources said the army is yet to establish any contact with the missing soldiers as the area has been witnessing inclement weather and several avalanches in the past few days.

Earlier while sharing details of the untoward incident, the Indian Army informed that specialized teams have been airlifted to the area to assist in the rescue operations.

“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. Specialized teams have also been airlifted to the area to assist in rescue operations,” PRO Defence, Tezpur Lt Col Harsh Wardhan Pande said in a statement on Monday.

Reacting to the developments 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.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also took to social media to share his concern.

“Praying for safe rescue of the army personnel at the earliest!” he said.