The bodies of two porters working with the Indian Army were recovered on Friday after an overnight search operation near Upper Gulmarg in Baramulla district, officials said.
The incident highlights the dangers faced by porters and security personnel during harsh winter conditions in high-altitude areas.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Victims Identified
Officials identified the deceased as Layakat Ahmad Deedard (27), son of Ghulam Mohammad Deedard of Masjid Aagan Chandoosa, and Ishfaq Ahmad Khatana (33), son of Jamal-ud-Din Khatana of Pachar Chandoosa. Both villages are located in Baramulla district.
Family members later confirmed that the bodies were recovered following the overnight rescue efforts.
Incident Occurred During Winter Movement
According to officials, the tragedy took place on Thursday when the two porters were moving towards Anita Post, a forward area that becomes largely inaccessible during winter due to heavy snowfall.
While crossing a snow-covered and slippery stretch near Upper Gulmarg, both men lost balance and fell into a nallah. The freezing temperatures and difficult terrain made immediate rescue extremely challenging.
Overnight Search Operation
Soon after the incident, Army personnel and local rescue teams launched a joint search operation. Despite severe cold, deep snow, and poor visibility, the teams continued their efforts throughout the night.
After sustained searching, the bodies were finally retrieved on Friday morning.
Formalities Underway
Officials said further legal and administrative formalities are being completed. The incident has once again drawn attention to the risks faced by porters who support Army operations in remote and snowbound regions of Kashmir during winter.
Authorities expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and acknowledged the efforts of rescue teams who worked in extremely tough conditions.
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