Soldier’s body recovered in Siachen camp

Search is on for the remaining nine missing soldiers, declared dead by the Army.

Operations in progress to find the 10 soldiers, who were buried alive after an avalanche hit an Army post, with additional specialised equipment and teams deployed at the site. Photo: Special Arrangement

Working against all odds, the Army on Monday recovered the body of one soldier, who went missing after an avalanche hit an Army post on the Siachen glacier on February 3.

Search is on for the remaining nine missing soldiers, declared dead by the Army.

According to a Jammu-based defence spokesman, the Army’s rescue parties were cutting through up to 30 feet of ice at multiple locations where the soldiers could probably be buried. “The probable locations are identified using specialised equipment,” said the spokesman.

The Army operation was hampered by frequent snow blizzards, freezing temperatures and low visibility.

On February 3, 10 soldiers, including a junior commissioned officer, were hit by an avalanche at an altitude of 19,600 feet.

“The teams are working round the clock and observing all precautions since the unstable ice and snow in the region could trigger fresh avalanches. Rescue efforts will continue till all our soldiers are found,” said the spokesman.

The Army has already established a camp at the location “to coordinate the rescue efforts as well as to continue vigil in the sensitive area.”