Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 18: Three soldiers were martyred after they came under an avalanche in Machil Sector in North Kashmir’s Kupwara today.
The incident took place this morning at Almora post where there is around 4-5 feet of snow. Those who died are Souvik Hajra, Mukesh Kumar and Gaikwad Manoj Laxman Rao.
An official said in an unfortunate incident, three jawans of Army’s 56-RR were martyred in the line of duty in Machil area when they came under an avalanche.
He said that all the bodies have been retrieved from the spot and shifted to 168 Military Hospital Drugmulla in district Kupwara.
A Defence official said that a fresh weather advisory has been shared with the soldiers guarding forward posts and they have been advised to stay cautious while performing duties in avalanche prone areas.
The Army has been guarding the most difficult terrain in Kashmir and during winters there remains to be threat of avalanche but the troops continue to hold on to the posts to prevent infiltration attempts by militants.
Meanwhile, LG Manoj Sinha tweeted: “I salute the bravery & sacrifice of braveheart Army personnel who laid down their lives in line of duty in Machil sector, Kupwara. The nation will always be indebted to their supreme sacrifice. My thoughts and prayers are with grieving families of martyrs”.
In the meantime, weatherman has forest snow and rain from tomorrow in parts of North Kashmir and light rain in Central and South Kashmir. “The weather will improve from tomorrow evening,” he said.
The mercury plunged to sub-zero at most places in Kashmir and Ladakh today.
Srinagar recorded a low of 0.4°C against 1.2°C the previous night. The temperature was 0.8°C below normal for this time of the year.
Qazigund recorded a low of minus 0.4°C against 3.6°C the previous night. The temperature was 1.7°C below normal for the town.
In Pahalgam, the mercury settled at minus 4.2°C against minus 3.4°C the previous night and it was 3.0°C below normal for the resort.
Kokernag recorded a low of 0.6°C against 3.1°C the previous night and it was 1.7°C below normal for the place.
Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 3.0°C against 3.6°C the previous night. It was 1.7°C below normal for the skiing resort.
In Kupwara town, the mercury settled at minus 1.4°C against minus 0.1°C the previous night. It was 1.9°C above normal for the place.
Kargil recorded a low of minus 8.1°C, Leh minus 8.9°C and mercury in Drass settled at minus 13.2°C.
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