ISLAMABAD: The search operation for the remaining bodies of the victims of April 2012  avalanche in Gayari area near the Siachen glacier has resumed after opening of weather and melting of snow, according to a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday, DawnNews reported.

At least 140 people including personnel of Pakistan Army and civilians were martyred on April 7 last year when an avalanche struck an Army camp high in the mountains of Kashmir after which a search operation had commenced to recover the bodies of the buried soldiers.

The search operation was suspended on November 27 2012 due to winters season. 121 bodies have been recovered so far whereas 19 bodies are yet to be found.

The statement once again reiterated that the sustained efforts would continue till recovery of last man.

Heavy engineering equipment pieces including excavators, dozers and drill machine along with 228 personnel have been employed for the task.