Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, 7 Feb: Seven Indian Army personnel are reported to have gone missing after being hit by an avalanche while they were on a patrol in Tawang district on Sunday.
Police sources in Tawang informed The Arunachal Times that the avalanche reportedly struck when the personnel of the 19 JAK Rifles were on a routine foot patrol at Kholong Point, four kilometres from Subhash Hut, on Sunday.
The sources further said that “the 19 JAK Rifle CO is staying at C-2 under 40 Mountain Brigade, Camp 6, ahead of Khrimu village under Jang police station.”
Defence PRO Lt Col Harsh Wardhan Pande informed that rescue operation is underway and specialized teams have been airlifted to assist in the rescue operation. He added that the area has been witnessing inclement weather with heavy snowfall for the last few days.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pema Khandu prayed for the safety of the personnel. “Praying for the safety of Army personnel hit by the avalanche in Arunachal, and hope that they be rescued safely as early as possible,” he tweeted.
“The Indian Army has always stood by us. We earnestly pray that no harm comes to our brave jawans,” Khandu said.
Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also prayed for the safe return of the missing personnel.
