ISLAMABAD: The eleventh anniversary of the Gayari tragedy is being observed today to pay homage to those who embraced martyrdom in the deadly avalanche near to the Siachen Glacier region.
In Kashmir, Siachen, the no-man’s-land is 20,000 feet (6,000 metres) above sea level. Military experts said that the inhospitable climate and avalanche-prone terrain have claimed more lives than gunfire.
Gayari one of the most important Pakistani bases
On April 7, 2012, a massive ice avalanche hit a Pakistani military headquarters at Gayari, 30 km west of the Siachen Glacier terminus, near to Siachen glacier region.
The area located in a deep valley at about 3,775 metres above sea level, the Gayari base is one of the most important Pakistani bases in the area.
In 2012, the Northern Infantry Battalion in Gayari Sector was being led by Lt Colonel, Tanveer. As the avalanche hit the camp, 129 Army personnel embraced martyrdom after being trapped under snow. After the incident, Pak Army initiated a search operation which continued for around two months.
On May 29, 2012, all the victims were declared martyrs, however.
Gayari base is one of the most important Pakistani bases in the region. It is a key supply hub for the troops.
