AN-32 Crash: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays homage to martyrs at Palam in South Delhi

Guwahati: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh paid homage to the 13 Indian Air Force Martyrs at Palam Technical area in South Delhi today.

The mortal remains of 13 Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel were retrieved yesterday from Arunachal Pradesh where the plane crashed earlier this month.

The IAF had recovered bodies of six men and mortal remains of seven other personnel who were onboard the AN-32 Aircraft which crashed in a remote location in Arunachal Pradesh. It is to be noted that the bodies were retrieved 17 days after the plane went missing on June 3.

The rescue team of 17 IAF, Army SF and civilian members continued the operation to retrieve the bodies for days. The team also faced bad weather conditions which led to the suspension of the operations for days.

On 11 Jun 19, the wreckage of the missing An-32 aircraft was found on a mountain slope in Arunachal Pradesh and all air-warriors died in the crash.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) officials on June 18, 2019, informed that Helicopters, including Mi17s, Cheetah and ALH had been unable to approach the site during the last three days, because of inclement weather in the valleys and cloud cover over the crash site. Retrieval operations require the steep mountainsides to be visible for the helicopters to safely hover close to the crash site and for operating crew to be able to see the personnel on the ground.

It is to be noted that IAF has actively coordinated with state administration at all levels.

A ground team comprising Garud commandos of the IAF, SF of Indian Army, civilian porters and hunters was already on its way to the accident site on foot. The first element of this trekking party reached the site late by Wednesday i.e 19 June 2019.

IAF spared no efforts and ensured that the mortal remains of the personnel in arms are retrieved at the earliest.

It may further be mentioned that the Army and Arunachal Pradesh State Administration have all along have provided unflinching support.

The mortal remains will now be sent to the families for the last rites.

Also Read: AN-32 Crash: Mortal remains Airlifted to Jorhat Air Base