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Snow Kills 18 Indian Soldiers in Kashmir in 2 Days

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Feb 9: Snow avalanches for the second day in succession hit the Indian army in Kashmir on Tuesday. The weather fury has killed at least 18 Indian soldiers in Kashmir in two days.

An Indian army spokesman in Srinagar, Lt Col J S Brar said that a snow avalanche hit the army forward post at Tangdhar, some 145 kms north of Srinagar on early Tuesday. "14 soldiers were manning the post when the avalanche struck. All of them were buried under snow".

He said a rescue operation was launched by the army. "13 soldiers were rescued safely while body of another, who had died in the avalanche, was recovered," he said.

Earlier on Monday, 17 soldiers including a senior officer were killed and 17 others injured when an avalanche trapped a group of soldier undergoing high altitude warfare training at the Army High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Khilanmarg, some 70 kms North of Srinagar.

The weather department and Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) have warned of more avalanches and cautioned soldiers and civilians in the upper reaches to take extra care while venturing out.

The upper reaches of Kashmir have been experiencing heavy snowfall since Friday last.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.