The avalanche which was triggered by a low intensity earthquake hit an Army post in Kargil on March 17.
Highlights
- Avalance hit the Army Post in Kargil on March 17
- One of the two missing soldiers were rescued the same day
- Body of the other soldier was recovered today after a 3-day operation
The body of a soldier, who went missing after an avalanche in Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir, was found today after three days of grueling rescue operations.
The avalanche, which was triggered by a low intensity earthquake, hit an Army post in Kargil on March 17 sweeping away two soldiers on surveillance duty. The Army immediately launched search operations and one of the soldiers, Sepoy Sujit, was rescued the same day and is now stable and recovering well.
Rescue operations to locate Sepoy Vijay Kumar K continued for three straight days in spite of adverse weather and 15 feet deep snow in the area. Avalanche rescue dogs, deep penetration radars and metal detectors were also pressed into service in the rescue operation.
The body of Vijay Kumar found buried in 12 feet deep snow is being recovered and will be flown to his hometown in Vallaramapuram village of Tamil Nadu's Thirunelvelli district for last rites with full military honours.
Vijay Kumar is survived by his parents and two younger sisters
Lt Gen DS Hooda, Army Commander, Northern Command has expressed his deep condolences to the family of Sepoy Vijay Kumar.