1. An Infantry Division in the Northern Sector conducted a rescue operation with guts and valour, resulting in saving of 73 precious civilians lives, on 18 May 10. On the afternoon of that fateful day, landslide occurred 2 KMs short of Changla Top (Ht 17350 ft), resulting in 75 civilians and a large Number of vehs getting trapped under huge heaps of snow.

2. On receipt of information, the formation pressed their rescue teams from Changla, with the soldiers reaching the site immediately. Fighting heavy odds due to strong winds, snow storm and blizzard like conditions, they evacuated six civilians buried under the snow. The critically injured, including Mr Mohammed Latif (District Social Welfare Officer, Leh), along with others were evacuated to an Army Detachment, where first aid, trauma care and refreshments were provided. A Bangalorite, Mr A Balakrishnan got separated from his wife in the melee of the landslide and his whereabouts were not known, while his wife was transferred to the Military hospital for the night.

3. In the meantime, two other rescue teams reached the incident site to work under most trying conditions. The winds were blowing hard, when they evacuated the civilians to safe zones. It was a great emotional moment, both, for the rescued and their rescuers, when they were provided Army transport and taken safely to their desired destinations at Leh. Enroute to Leh, they were provided hot meals.

4. The emotions of the civilians drove the Army rescue teams to continue their search operations with least care to their personal safety, till late in the night. Without rest, the search operations continued early next morning, with the assistance of Army Avalanche rescue dogs, which found the body of Mr Balakrishnan buried deep under snow. The Army continued its social responsibilities to provide succor and emotional support to Mrs Balakrishnan, by organizing the transportation of her husband’s mortal remains to Bangalore.

5. Some emotional statements by the rescued civilians are given below:-

(a) A rescued civilian, while having his food at Transit Camp, Karu at night, said “we have only read about Army’s services in Newspapers but now we have experienced it first hand. Today, my respect for the services has grown manifold”.

(b) In spite of the personal loss, in a sobbing voice Mrs A Balakrishnan, on seeing her husband’s body said “I have no words to thank and repay the gratitude of the services that have been rendered”.

(c) Mr Rajesh Tharad (Tele no. 09826237041) and his family consisting of six members hailing from Indore said “I thank all army personnel for the prompt rescue action in reuniting my family and giving them a second life”.