Soldier's body recovered from under snow in Kargil

The body of an army soldier buried under an avalanche was recovered on Sunday in Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir.

"Army rescue teams have recovered the mortal remains of Sepoy Vijay Kumar K. from under 12 feet of snow," Colonel S.D. Goswami, spokesman of the army's Udhampur-headquartered Northern Command, told IANS.

The soldier was buried under an avalanche in the Kargil sector on the Line of Control on March 17. Sepoy Sujit, who was rescued on the first day itself, is stable and recovering well, the spokesman said.

"Avalanche rescue dogs, deep penetration radars and metal detectors were pressed into service during the rescue operation, that continued for three days despite adverse weather conditions and up to 15 feet snow in the area," he added.

The deceased soldier from Vallaramapuram village in Thirunelvelli district of Tamil Nadu is survived by his parents and two younger sisters.

The army is in the process of evacuating Sepoy Vijay's mortal remains from the area, which will be sent to the soldier's native place for cremation with full military honours.

Lieutenant General D.S. Hooda of the Northern Command has expressed condolences to the bereaved family.