President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep grief and sorrow late Tuesday as seven Indian Army Personnel, who had gone missing after an avalanche hit Kameng sector in Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday, were confirmed dead.
The President termed the tragedy as "beyond words" and paid his condolences to the bereaved families.
"The death of soldiers due to an avalanche in Arunachal Pradesh is a tragedy beyond words. The brave soldiers laid down their lives for the service of the nation. Their selfless sacrifice will always be remembered. My condolences to their families," he tweeted.
The Prime Minister also posted on Twitter: ''Saddened by the loss of lives of Indian Army personnel due to an avalanche in Arunachal Pradesh. We will never forget their exemplary service to our nation. Condolences to the bereaved families".
The home minister said his thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families.
"Anguished to learn about the loss of lives of our Army personnel due to an avalanche in Arunachal Pradesh. They have served the nation with utmost courage and bravery. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families," Amit Shah tweeted.
The Union Defence minister also expressed deep pain over the loss of the Indian soldiers.
"Deeply pained by the demise of Indian Army personnel who were struck by an avalanche in Kemang Sector, Arunachal Pradesh. These brave soldiers lost their lives while serving the nation. I salute their courage and service. My heartfelt condolences to their bereaved families," Rajnath Singh said in a Twitter post.
The seven Indian Army personnel on border patrol in the high altitude area of Kameng were hit by the avalanche on February 6, the Indian Army said, adding that the search and rescue operations have concluded as the “bodies of all seven individuals have been recovered from the avalanche site".
"Seven Army personnel who were struck by avalanche in high altitude area of Kameng Sector in Arunachal Pradesh on February 6 have been confirmed dead and their bodies retrieved from the avalanche site," the Indian Army said in a statement.
The bodies are being transported from the avalanche site taken to the nearest Army medical facility, to the Indian Army said.
Kameng area located at an altitude of 14500 has been witnessing inclement weather with heavy snowfall since the last few days, the statement added.
