BSF officer killed, 6 missing after avalanche in Kupwara

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A BSF officer was killed while six other security personnel went missing after being hit by an avalanche near the LoC in Kupwara district on Tuesday.

Sub-Inspector Narendra Kumar died while five armymen and a BSF constable were missing after the avalanche struck this morning, a BSF spokesman said, adding Kumar's body has been recovered.

"A snow avalanche struck Furkian top in Kupwara at 7.20 AM. Five armymen and two BSF jawans were hit by the avalanche," Defence Spokesman Lt Colonel J S Brar said.

He said the joint team of Army and BSF were clearing snow between their camp and an outpost when the avalanche occurred.

"Rescue teams from local camp and Gulmarg have been rushed to the spot to trace the missing soldiers," he said.

Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment (SASE) has declared higher reaches of Kashmir Valley, especially areas falling close to the Line of Control, as avalanche prone in view of the heavy snowfall in the first fortnight of this month.