President condoles death of soldiers in avalanche

President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday condoled the death of soldiers killed in two avalanches in Jammu and Kashmir and prayed for early recovery of the injured.

The army said that it recovered 14 bodies of soldiers who lost their lives in two avalanches that hit an army post and a patrol on the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday and Thursday. Four soldiers were earlier reported missing.

"I am sad to learn about the avalanche in Kashmir in which a number of army personnel lost their lives and some are reported missing," the President said in a message to army chief General Bipin Rawat.

"I understand rescue and relief operations are currently underway. I am sure that concerned Army authorities and the state government are providing all possible aid to the bereaved families and medical assistance to the injured."

"Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. My prayers for an early and speedy recovery of all injured personnel," he said.

The President is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces.

--IANS

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