A snow avalanche in Indian-controlled Kashmir Monday kills at least six Indian army troopers, while more than two dozen are feared trapped underneath, officials said.

The avalanche hit an Indian Army's High Altitude Warfare School (HAWS) in Gulmarg, 65 km west of Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-control Kashmir.

"The avalanche rolled down in the Khelanmarg mountain and struck the High Altitude Warfare School. Some six bodies of Indian army soldiers have been retrieved and army has launched the rescue operations at its own. No civilian local or tourist in the area has been trapped in the avalanche," said Farooq Shah, the region' s Tourism Director.

The defense officials have confirmed that rescue operations are going on in the area but said details are yet to follow.

"Rescue operations have been started and details are awaited," said Lt Col J.S. Brar, the Indian army spokesman in Srinagar.

Kashmir has a rugged terrain and landslides and avalanches are often triggered by frequent rains and heavy snow the region receives.

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