The Chowkibal-Tangdhar-Chamkote road, traversing through the treacherous Nasta Chun Pass (NC Pass), has been experiencing heavy snowfall since December 2, 2024. This led to the closure of the road for all traffic from 0500 hours on December 3, 2024.
In response, a joint team of the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) and the Indian Army commenced road clearance operations at 0700 hours on December 3. During this process, at 0940 hours, a civilian vehicle carrying mortal remains reached NC Pass from Chowkibal, seeking passage towards Tangdhar.
Due to worsening weather conditions and unsafe road conditions, Army personnel, prioritizing the safety of the passengers, temporarily halted the vehicle at NC Pass. Despite repeated advisories about the risks, the civilians onboard insisted on immediate movement and expressed agitation, as seen in video evidence.
Understanding the urgency of the situation, the Army ensured the transients were given priority. As soon as snow clearance towards SM Hill was completed at 1015 hours, the vehicle was allowed to proceed under Army supervision. Contrary to claims of prolonged delay, the vehicle was halted for only 35 minutes, not two hours as alleged.
The Army emphasized that such temporary halts, though inconvenient, are essential to safeguard lives in extreme weather conditions. Their swift and coordinated efforts ensured that the vehicle reached its destination safely, reflecting the Army's unwavering commitment to the welfare of civilians in the region.