New Delhi [India], February 8 (ANI): Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday expressed grief over the death of seven army personnel in an avalanche tragedy at Andhra Pradesh. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families of the deceased Army personnel.
“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,” he said in a tweet.
Seven Army personnel, who were hit by an avalanche in a high-altitude area of the Kameng sector in Arunachal Pradesh have been confirmed dead and their bodies retrieved from the avalanche site, the Army said on Tuesday. The soldiers were stuck in an avalanche on February 6.
An Army statement said search and rescue operations, which were launched immediately on February 6 including airlifting of specialized teams, have now been concluded. The area, located at an altitude of 14,500 feet, had been witnessing inclement weather with heavy snowfall for 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 Army said.
Arunachal CM announces Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia for kin of Army personnel killed in avalanche
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakhs each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) for the next of kin of Army personnel who lost their lives due to an avalanche in Arunachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister also expressed grief over the demise of the soldiers. “Chief Minister Pema Khandu has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakhs each from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), for the next of kin of 7 brave soldiers who lost their lives serving the Nation in an avalanche in the Kameng sector,” the CMO Arunachal tweeted. Condoling the demise of the Army personnel, the Chief Minister prayed for strength to bereaved families on their tragic loss. “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,” the Chief Minister tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind also condoled the demise of the soldiers.
The Prime Minister said their “exemplary” services to the nation will never be forgotten.
President Kovind said that the soldiers laid down their lives in the service of the country and their “selfless sacrifice” will be remembered. Seven Army personnel, who were hit by an avalanche in a high-altitude area of Kameng sector in Arunachal Pradesh, were confirmed dead and their bodies were recovered from the avalanche site, the Army said on Tuesday. The soldiers were stuck in an avalanche on February 6. (ANI)
