From Pakistan cause fresh snowfall in Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 25 (UNI) The western disturbances from Pakistan have caused fresh snowfall in the upper reaches of the Kashmir valley, resulting in severe cold in the plains.

Meanwhile, 139 passengers stranded at Kargil and Srinagar were airlifted as the 434-km-long Srinagar-Leh national highway remained closed from November 15 for six winter months.

A weather office spokesman told UNI that western disturbances which were active in Northern Pakistan last week, arrived in Jammu and Kashmir.

The disturbances caused fresh snowfall on the upper reaches in north Kashmir, including Kupwara.

The upper reaches in world famous ski resort of Gulmarg, where the week-long winter festival started last evening, also received fresh snowfall.

About three feet to five feet of snowfall had already accumulated on the Gulmarg, Khilanmarg and Affarwat slopes, much to the delight of adventure lovers and skiers from different parts of the country and abroad.

The spokesman said nights in the valley remain warm as the minimum temperature was minus 0.5 degree which was still 1.5 degree above normal.

Days however, remained cold because icy cold winds swept the entire region.

Reports of fresh snowfall were also received from the holy Amarnath Cave and its periphery, Sheshnag, Mahaguns, Pisso top and Panjtherni.

A UNI report from Kargil said authorities operated AN-32 flgiht twice today to airlift the passengers, stranded at Kargil and Srinagar, since the Srinagar-Leh highway was closed.

It said in all 139 passengers---85 from Kargil and 54 from Srinagar--were airlifted in flights.

People continued to shiver in Drass, the second coldest place in the world after Siberia, as the minimum temperature was recorded minus 20 degree while the day also remained cold.

UNI BAS PA HT1645