Siachen survivor chose conflict areas over peace posting: Officials

Lance Naik Hanamanthappa Koppad, who is in a critical condition after miraculously surviving six days buried under snow on the Siachen glacier, chose difficult areas over peace postings and fought for 10 years in conflict zones.

“The brave soldier displayed a high degree of initiative and has served 10 years in difficult and challenging areas out of 13 years of total service,” a senior army officer said.

Hanamanthappa, who hails from Karnataka, was found alive on Monday, buried under 25 feet of snow for six days after an avalanche hit his post at an altitude of 19,600 feet close to the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan. The temperature at that altitude was minus 45 degrees Celsius.

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“The 33-year-old serving soldier, who was enrolled in 19th Battalion of the Madras Regiment on October 25, 2002, is highly motivated and physically fit... He opted for challenging terrains from the beginning,” the officer said.

“The soldier has served in Mahore (J&K) from 2003 to 2006 where he was actively involved in counter-insurgency operations. He again volunteered to serve with 54 Rashtriya Rifles (Madras) in the state from 2008 to 2010 where he displayed indomitable courage and gallantry in fighting terrorism during his tenure,” the officer added.