Indian Army thanks civil administration for help in rescue operations

The army today thanked the civil administration for its help in rescue operations that followed the snow avalanche which hit Khilanmarg near the famous ski resort of Gulmarg on Monday, killing 17 soldiers including an officer and leaving as many injured.

"The role of civil administration in extending all possible assistance during the rescue operation was appreciable," Colonel Vijain and Colonel Shekhawat of High Altitude Warfare School told state agriculture minister Ghulam Hassan Mir.

Mir visited the HAWS in Gulmarg, 50 kms from here, and expressed his deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious lives in the avalanche.

Briefing the minister about the incident and the subsequent rescue operation, the army officers said the civil administration proved that it had tremendous potential and courage to fight such natural calamities.

As many as 70 army men were buried under the avalanche during winter warefare training, out of which, 17 were dead and as many injured while the rest were safely rescued, they said adding 14 of the injured jawans have resumed their duties.

Mir said it was a test for civil administration which they accomplished successfully by minimizing the casualities.