Defence Minister condoles avalanche victims

.....

In a message, he conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

He asked the army and local authorities to intensify the rescue operations and provide all possible medical aid to the injured.

At least 17 Indian soldiers were killed and 17 injured in an avalanche near Gulmarg in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.

The tragedy occurred at Khilanmarg near Gulmarg, a favourite of the tourists from India and abroad for skiing facilities during winter.

While official toll was put at 15 till evening, a TV channel quoting army sources said 17 were confirmed dead.

The trapped included civilians.

While more than 70 were rescued, the operation to scour for more bodies ended at sunset as all the dead and missing were accounted for, army sources said.

At least 16 of the rescued are in critical condition, sources said.

The avalanche buried part of an army warfare school at high altitude.

Rescue was hit by snow storm.

The avalanche occurred at 11 a.m. at Khelanmarg near Gulmarg.

The Army's High Altitude Warfare School at Gulmarg had organised an advance camp at Gujjar Hut on Sunday.

About 300 Army trainees, 100 trainers, 60 support staff and 50 civilians were present when the avalanche came down, said NDTV.