Srinagar- In a natural accident amid harsh winter conditions, two porters attached with the army slipped and fell into a nallah while en route to Anita Post in Upper Gulmarg area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Thursday, officials said.

Officials said the incident occurred as the porters were moving towards Anita Post, which is a winter cut off post due to heavy snowfall in the area. While negotiating the snowbound terrain, both porters reportedly skidded and fell into a nallah.

The porters have been identified as Layakat Ahmad Deedard, 27, son of Ghulam Mohammad Deedard of Masjid Aagan Chandoosa, and Ishfaq Ahmad Khatana, 33, son of Jamal U Din Khatana of Pachar Chandoosa in Baramulla district.

Soon after the incident, rescue teams were pressed into service. Officials said a rescue operation is currently underway despite challenging weather conditions, deep snow, and difficult terrain. [KNT]