Army jawans were killed while seven others were feared dead as avalanches struck two Army camps in Ganderbal and Bandipora districts of Kashmir Valley.
As many as 13 jawans were rescued, two of them in an injured condition, from the debris of the avalanche that hit the 109 infantry Brigade in Dawar area of Gurez — close to the Line of Control — in Bandipora, Army officials said.
The avalanche struck at 9.15 PM last night but the information about the tragedy started trickling in this morning as Gurez Valley is cut off from rest of the country due to heavy snowfall during winter.
Seven jawans are still missing and feared to be trapped under the debris of the avalanche with little hopes of their survival.
Army spokesman, Colonel Garewal, said 29 jawans were buried under the avalanche. “Nine bodies have been recovered while 13 others were rescued. Seven personnel are still missing,” he said.
Defence spokesman, Lt Colonel J.S. Brar said it was for the first time that an avalanche has hit the spot. “There are no records of an avalanche hitting this place earlier,” he said.
The 109 Infantry Brigade, which guards the LoC in Gurez sector, is located in the foothills of the Valley. The recent heavy snowfall had made it avalanche-prone.
The Chief Minister, Mr Omar Abdullah, has expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims.
The Chief Minister said he was sending his minister with a personal message of condolence to the Army’s Srinagar-based 15 Corps General Officer Commanding, Lt Gen S.A. Hasnain.