Siachen avalanche: Body of jawan recovered from under snow

The body of an army jawan, who had gone missing after an avalanche hit a patrol in Siachen's Turtuk sector in Ladakh region, was recovered from under the snow today.
The avalanche claimed the life of another jawan, lance havildar Bhawan Tamang, whose body was retrieved soon after.
"Mortal remains of Rifleman Sunil Rai, who was buried under snow after an avalanche struck an army patrol on March 25 in the Turtuk Sector, was recovered by rescue teams this morning," a defence spokesman said.
"The mortal remains of the soldiers are being evacuated from the area of the avalanche, after which a wreath laying ceremony will be conducted.

"Thereafter, they will be transported by air to their native places where their funeral will be held with full military honours," the spokesman said.
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.

General officer Commanding in Chief (GoC-in-C) of the Northern Command Lt Gen DS Hooda expressed his deep condolences to the families of the jawans.
"The Indian Army fraternity stands shoulder to shoulder with the bereaved families in their hour of grief," Lt Gen Hooda said.
The avalanche had hit the patrol party around 8 AM yesterday in Turtuk area of Siachen - the highest battleground in the world.