Kameng (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], February 8 (ANI): 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.

“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,” it stated. 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.

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday expressed condolences over the death of Army personnel after they were hit by an avalanche in Arunachal Pradesh. The President said that the soldiers laid down their lives in the service of the country and their “selfless sacrifice” will be remembered. “The death of soldiers due to an avalanche in Arunachal Pradesh is a tragedy beyond words. The brave soldiers laid down their lives for the service of the nation. Their selfless sacrifice will always be remembered. My condolences to their families,” President Kovind tweeted.

Prime MinisterNarendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the demise of Indian Army personnel who lost their lives due to an avalanche in Arunachal Pradesh. Expressing condolences to the bereaved families of the Army personnel, the Prime Minister said their “exemplary” services to the nation will not be forgotten.
“Saddened 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,” the Prime Minister tweeted.

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday expressed his grief over the death of seven army personnel in Arunachal Pradesh in an avalanche tragedy. “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,” said a tweet from Gandhi.

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.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed his condolences over the loss of lives of Indian Army personnel due to an avalanche in Arunachal Pradesh. Taking to Twitter, he said, “Deeply grieved by the loss of lives of Indian Army personnel due to an avalanche in Arunachal Pradesh. Those who guard our frontiers risk their lives every day. The nation is deeply grateful for their service and commitment. My condolences to the bereaved families.”

Arunachal CM announces Rs 4 lakh ex-gratia for kin of Army personnel killed in avalanche

New Delhi [India], February 8 (ANI): 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 gives them enough strength to bear the irreparable loss,” the Chief Minister tweeted.