In a somber but heroic mission, mountaineers from the High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) successfully recovered the remains of three Havildar instructors who tragically lost their lives in an avalanche during a mountaineering expedition to Mount Kun in October 2023.
The instructors, Havildar Rohit, Havildar Thakur Bahadur Ale, and Naik Gautam Rajbanshi, were part of a 38-member team that aimed to scale the peak located in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
The expedition, which began on October 1, 2023, faced immense challenges due to the treacherous terrain and unpredictable weather conditions of the glaciated region. Disaster struck on October 8, 2023, when an avalanche occurred at over 18,300 feet, between Camp 2 and Camp 3 on the Fariabad Glacier, catching four team members in a deadly slide. Despite valiant rescue efforts, only the body of Lance Naik Stanzin Targais was initially recovered.
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The recent recovery mission marks a poignant closure for the families of the fallen heroes and their comrades, who have waited nearly a year for this moment.
The brave efforts of the HAWS team highlight their unwavering dedication and the risks undertaken by military personnel in such extreme conditions. The sacrifice of the Havildars and their colleague will be remembered as a testament to their courage and commitment to their duties.
