Search to locate 4 missing Army personnel intensifies in Kinnaur

The search and rescue operation to find out four Army personnel, who were hit by an avalanche on February 20 in Namgya region of Kinnaur district, was further intensified on Sunday.

"A team of scientists from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) with high technology equipment has also been engaged in the search of missing personnel," a defence spokesperson was quoted as saying in a press release.

The body of an Army man, identified as Rajesh Rishi, was evacuated on Saturday from the site of an avalanche. After paying homage to him, his mortal remains were handed over to his family.

Over 500 personnel of Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) and DRDO have been pressed into service to locate the missing army men.

On February 20, six army men out of a total of 16 who had started their journey from Namgya to Shipkila to repair a water supply line, were hit by an avalanche in Pooh sub-division of Kinnaur district.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has assured all possible assistance to the Army to ensure speedy relief and rehabilitation works. Further details are awaited.