PM condoles death of ITBP men in Uttarakhand

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today spoke to Director General of ITBP Ajay Chadha and expressed his condolence for the death of 15 ITBP personnel, who were involved in rescue operations, in a helicopter crash in Uttarakhand.

The Prime Minister enquired about the details of the work and families of these personnel who were involved in the rescue operations in the flood-hit Uttarakhand.

Singh was highly appreciative of the search and rescue work done by ITBP in Uttarakhand. He praised the bravery, dedication and professionalism of ITBP teams working in flood- affected areas in the state from the very beginning of the search and rescue operation.

The Prime Minister assured that all possible assistance from the government will be provided to the families of these brave personnel of ITBP.

20 people -- six ITBP personnel, 9 NDRF personnel and 5 Air Force personnel lost their lives in the helicopter crash near Gaurikund while returning to their base after completion of their task.

The 9 NDRF personnel were from ITBP on deputation to NDRF.