6 people killed in Kashmir's Avalanche

4 soldiers and 2 porters were killed after an avalanche struck an Indian army post in the Kashmir region.

The incident occurred on November 19, 2019, and affected a group of 8 people that were in patrol. The avalanche struck in a remote region of Siachen Glacier (Himalayan) at a height of about 5.500 meters.

Officials quickly launched a rescue operation and managed to airlift the affected men from the spot. The victims were hospitalized in a military facility suffering from severe injuries. 6 of them died later of hypothermia. "Deeply pained by the demise of soldiers and porters due to avalanche in Siachen. I salute their courage and service to the nation. My heartfelt condolences to their families," Rajnath Singh, India's Defense Minister, tweeted.

The glacier is located in the Kashmir region, a highly disputed region claimed by Pakistan and India that is considered the highest battlefield in the world. Both countries have established military facilities in the wider area since 1984. Soldiers are deployed in hostile terrains that reach elevations of up to 6700 meters. Some conflicts between the 2 sides have been reported but most casualties are associated with the extreme conditions.

Avalanches and landslides are very common in the region. A similar disaster occurred in 2016. Back then, an avalanche struck a military base killing 10 Indian soldiers. In 2012, another incident resulting in 140 fatalities.

According to an Indian Army source, Pakistan has proposed to remove the army from the region but India does not trust Pakistan's intentions. “Pakistan had proposed to demilitarize Siachen a few years back but the country cannot be trusted. For any possible demilitarization, both Pakistan and India need to actually authenticate the exact location of posts and the areas held, but Pakistan has not done it." The source added that if the high ground is captured by Pakistan army it would be impossible for India to reclaim it. “It would be just impossible to recapture the heights from Pakistan,” he commented.