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Indian army thanks Pakistan counterpart for offering help to rescue soldiers killed in Kashmir avalanche

Xinhua, February 5, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Indian army has thanked the Pakistan army for offer of help in rescue and recovery operation for 10 Indian soldiers killed in an avalanche on Siachen in northern Kashmir, said local media Friday.

"We thanked Pakistan army for their gesture but since our resources are adequate and teams are well placed, we do not need any help," the Indo-Asian News Service quoted an Indian Army spokesperson as saying Thursday night in New Delhi.

However, he said the offer was "a routine gesture when any incident takes place near the Line of Control (LoC)."

Earlier, Pakistan Army's Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Major General Sahir Shamshad Mirza called Indian DGMO Lt. General Ranbir Singh and offered assistance in the rescue operation.

Ten Indian soldiers were killed in an avalanche that hit Siachen glacier in the Indian side of the LoC in northern Kashmir on Wednesday.

The soldiers were hit while on duty at a post at an altitude of 19,000 feet. Endit