Agencies/Agencies
An avalanche on the high-altitude Siachen glacier that is disputed between India and Pakistan killed at least six Indian soldiers yesterday when their outpost was swept away before dawn.
Thousands of soldiers from both nations endure bitter conditions on the glacier, which is dubbed “The world’s highest battleground,” due to the long-running territorial dispute.
An estimated 8,000 troops have died since 1984, almost all of them from avalanches, landslides, frostbite, altitude sickness or heart failure rather than combat.
“The avalanche struck a forward post early on Sunday morning, burying seven soldiers,” army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel J S Brar said.
“Rescue operations were launched immediately and so far six bodies have been recovered. The rescue effort is still ongoing.”
Authorities earlier issued an avalanche warning for the higher reaches of the Kashmir Valley.
Aamir Ali, head of disaster management in the valley, said: “Medium danger avalanche warning is issued for people living in Keran, Tangdhar, Machil, Chowkibal, Gurez, Bannihal, Uri and Gulmarg areas.
“People are advised to take precaution and not to venture about in avalanche-prone areas.”
There has been heavy snowfall in the higher reaches in the past three days.
After remaining closed for two days, the busy Jammu-Srinagar highway reopened yesterday.