Three soldiers missing after heavy snowfall in north Kashmir

Baramulla, Nov 14 (UNI) Three soldiers are reported missing after the upper reaches in the north Kashmir experienced heavy snowfall resulting in the closure of several roads to far off places, official sources said.

They said the entire upper belt in the twin border districts of Baramulla and Kupwara experienced heavy snowfall for two days on November 12 and 13.

Sources said that a group of three soldiers on patrol duty in Nowshera sector went missing after the entire area experienced heavy snowfall.

Another report however, said the soldiers were buried under an avalanche in Machil sector and efforts are going on to recover their bodies.

The sources said almost all the routes which were being used by the militants to infiltrate into this side from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) have experienced snowfall.

Though there is now less chances of major infiltration, but security forces will remain on high alert throughout the winter to foil any attempt by militants to sneak into this side or smuggle in arms and ammunition.

Police said Gurez remained cut off from the rest of the state for the second day today due to heavy snowfall.

A number of other roads to far flung and remote areas have also been closed due to snowfall. However, efforts were being made to clear the snow and make the traffic worthy soon.

Meanwhile, the authorities claimed to have stored rice, atta, LPG gas, kerosene oil, sugar and other essential commodities in the areas which usually reamins cut off for six winter months.

A report from Srinagar said slopes at world famous ski resort of Gulmarg had turned white after the area witnessed first snowfall on Sunday.

The Affarwat, the last point of Gulmarg Gandola Cable car, and Khilanmarg experienced about two feet of snowfall while seven springs had six inches of snow.

The holy Amarnath cave shrine and its periphery also experienced about one feet of fresh snowfall while about six inches to 8 inches snow was recorded at Pissu top, Mahaguns, Sheshnag and Panjtherni.

However, it was sunny day in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, much to the delight of people who were facing severe icy cold winds after rains for two days.

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