Jammu, Feb 23 (IANS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday condoled the death of 11 soldiers killed in two avalanches in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a tweet Thursday, he first said: "Heartfelt condolences to the families of those soldiers who lost their loved ones in the avalanches."
In another tweet, he announced he is "sending my minister with a personal message of condolence to the Corps Commander".
An avalanche killed eight army personnel in Bandipora district and another killed in Ganderbal.
This was a rare instance of the chief minister expressing regret over the death of soldiers after taking power three years ago.
The condolence message has come in the backdrop of a public debate between him and the army over the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) which gives sweeping powers to the army.