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Dozens of soldiers feared dead after an avalanche hit a Pakistani army base in the Himalayas near the border with India.

The incident happened in the early morning near the Siachen Glacier. According to military officials, over 100 troops were trapped under the snow, while local TV channels put the number at around 150.

A rescue party has been sent to the region to search for survivors. Helicopters and teams with search dogs are working at the site. But poor weather conditions are hampering the search.

Both Pakistan and India deploy thousands of troops along the border, because the two countries have a long-standing conflict over the Kashmir region. The Siachen Glacier is one of the disputed areas and has seen skirmishes between the sides since 1984, when India annexed parts of it from Pakistan.

The glacier has the distinction of being world's highest battlefield, with elevations of up to 6,700 meters. According to military experts, deaths of soldiers and international climbers are common there due to the harsh climate and frequent avalanches.

Many young pupils find the burden "upsetting", damaging their relationships with parents, it was claimed.

The Association of Teachers and Lecturers told how one school sent under-11s on Easter holidays with 45 worksheets in preparation for Sats tests in coming weeks.

Speaking at the union's annual conference in Liverpool, Cecily Hanlon, a teacher from Leeds, said: "Homework is a waste of children's time, teachers' time and from what I have heard parents think it's a waste of time as well.

"At this stage in their lives homework mitigates against children who already have difficulties - if they have chaotic home lives, single parents, physical or mental illness.

"Primary school children can't control their own time and work. We are not saying 'don't read with your children'. We have always said parents should read. That should be a pleasurable activity

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