Body of Siachen avalanche victim recovered

Jammu, March 26 (IANS) The body of a soldier swept away by an avalanche in Siachen Glacier area of Jammu and Kashmir was recovered on Saturday, a defence official said.

"Mortal remains of Rifleman Sunil Rai, who was buried under snow after an avalanche struck an army patrol in the Turtuk Sector on Friday, was recovered by rescue teams today (Saturday) morning," army’s Northern Command spokesman Col. S.D.Goswami told IANS here.

Lance Havildar Bhawan Tamang, who was rescued immediately after the avalanche and evacuated for medical treatment, could however not be revived and succumbed on Friday itself.

"The mortal remains of the soldiers are being evacuated from the area of the avalanche, after which a wreath-laying ceremony will be conducted to honour the martyrs. Thereafter, they will be transported by air to their native places where they will be accorded funerals with full military honours," he said.

Tamang is survived by his wife, a six-year-old daughter and his parents, whereas Rai is survived by his parents and two younger brothers.

Northern Command chief, Lt.Gen. D.S. Hooda has expressed his deep condolences to both families and that the "Indian Army fraternity stands shoulder to shoulder with the bereaved families in their hour of grief".