The main building in the complex housing most of the offices of the High Altitude Warfare School at picturesque snow clad Gulmarg hills was on Sunday morning gutted in a devastating blaze.

The cause of the fire is still being ascertained, according to defence PRO Colonel Mukhtar Singh. "An inquiry has been ordered," he said.

Fire tenders were rushed to the spot to control the blaze, which engulfed the entire building.

Singh said HAWS is one of the most high profile training institutes of the Indian Army in the country. It is believed to be the most sophisticated in South Asia.

"The main building was completely gutted. It also housed the offices of commandant and deputy commandant and other offices," he said.