Quick Reaction Team

Sir,
This refers to the news item’Quick Reaction Team of Army at Siachen'(DE, Jan13, 2017).It is heartening to read that the Northern Command  of Indian Army has operationalised a highly skilled force of the Army named’Avalanche Panthers, Mountain Rescuers’ at Siachen Glacier which is highest and toughest battlefield on this planet located at a height of 18500 feet from sea level and having strategic borders with our hostile neighbour, Pakistan.The fact that this highly skilled force comprising mainly the troops from Ladakh Scouts, who, being son of the soil, have indepth knowledge and adaptability with the local terrain and weather conditions prevalent in high altitude region and that this force has been well equipped with latest gadgetry, will help a lot to respond to any kind of situation and launch rescue operations in shortest possible time.There is no doubt that our officers and jawans deployed at Siachen Glacier perform their duties in the most treacherous terrain and hostile weather conditions where temperatures dip much below zero  many a time, especially in winter season.There is always the risk of being buried under avalanche, snowstorm or they may suffer from frostbite.Thus, they require every kind of facility in case some mishap such as avalanche, snowstorm etc occurs there.Already many parts of Ladakh and Kashmir Valley are reeling under the grip of extreme cold weather conditions with mercury dipping below freezing point and icicles having been formed at many places.One can well imagine the severity of weather at Siachen which is located at a much higher altitude.About a year ago 10 Army Jawans lost their lives when they were buried under 30 feet snow in a snow avalanche. It is hoped that the newly constituted force will rise to the occasion and save our brave soldiers who are guarding our frontiers in the wake of extremly  hostile weather.
Yours etc….
Ashok Sharma,
Udhampur.

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