ITBP camps hit by snowstorms; 11 jawans perish

While eight personnel, who were returning after arms exercise, were killed 12 km away from Mana in Joshimath, two died 16 km from Malari when an avalanche hit an outpost, he said.

Another jawan was killed and several others injured when an avalanche destroyed an ITBP permanent camp at Sumla, about 40 km from Joshimath.

Nine jawans, who were injured at Sumla, were shifted yesterday to Uttarkashi by Indian Airforce helicopters. Those who were seriously injured at Mana valley would be airlifted today to Joshimath base camp. ITBP deputy Inspector General D N Gautam was supervising the rescueoperations.

The dead have been identified as Constables Sitaram, Rakesh Kumar, Suresh Kumar, Prakash Chand, Ram Lal, Jayant Singh, Gurchain Singh, S Kirali, Jaipal Singh, Ganga Ram and Ram Niwas.

AT least 24 people, including five army jawans, were stranded on the Leh-Manali Road near the Baracha Pass in tribal Lahul-Spiti district following heavy snowfall for the past three days.

They were going in a truck from Leh to Manali. Due to heavy snowfall the stranded people were unable to proceed beyond Zing-Zing bar.

The Leh-Manali Road is 1600 feet above sea-level.

The district administration has requested the state government to arrange a helicopter to airlift them.