Seven soldiers trapped in Arunachal avalanche

OUR CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: Seven personnel of the Indian Army are reported to have been struck by an avalanche in the high-altitude area of the Kameng sector in West Kameng district of Arunachal Pradesh and search and rescue operations are underway to trace them, a Defence spokesman said on Monday.

The Army personnel were part of a patrolling team and were hit by the avalanche on Sunday, Tezpur-based Defence spokesman Lt Col Harsh Wardhan Pande said.

"Search and rescue operations are currently underway. Specialized teams have been airlifted to assist in rescue operations," he said.

"The area has been witnessing inclement weather with heavy snowfall since the last few days," the spokesman added.

Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has prayed for the safety of the Army personnel.

Taking to twitter, Khandu said, "Praying for the safety of Army personnel hit by the avalanche in Arunachal and hope that they be rescued safely as early as possible.

"Indian Army has always stood by us whenever in difficulties. We earnestly pray that no harm comes to our brave jawans," Khandu tweeted.

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