Army declines Pakistan offer to rescue avalanche-hit troopers

NEW DELHI: Director General of Military Operations Lt Gen Ranbir Singh today declined his Pakistani counterpart's offer for help in rescuing Indian soldiers buried under snow after an avalanche hit their post in Siachen Glacier, saying necessary resources have already been put in place.

Army sources said Pakistan's DGMO Maj Gen Amir Riaz called up earlier in the day and offered help.

They said such calls are routine whenever any incident happens near the border.

"During the conversation, he offered Pakistani help which was declined for now saying that enough resources have been put in place," the sources siad.

Incidentally, the offer of help came over 30 hours after the incident.

Ten soldiers of an army post, located at an altitude of 19,600 feet, were hit by a massive avalanche in the early hours yesterday.

Rescue operations by specialized teams of the army and the air force continued for the second day today amid fears that they may be dead.

"It is a tragic event and we salute the soldiers who braved all challenges to guard our frontiers and made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty," Lt Gen D S Hooda, Army Commander, Northern Command, said.

Snow cutters and specialised equipment were flown into Leh to further boost the rescue efforts.

The glaciated area experiences temperatures ranging from a minimum of minus 42 degrees in the night to maximum of minus 25 degrees during the day.

Rescue teams are braving adverse weather and effects of rarified atmosphere to locate and rescue survivors.

"However, it is with deepest of regrets that we have to state that chances of finding any survivors are now very remote," an Army statement had said.