Army, police to aid of tourists

The Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday said it extended help to commuters in heavy snowfall in the Valley on Friday.

Srinagar-based Chinar Corps responded to a distress call from civil administration to evacuate tourists stranded due to unprecedented heavy snowfall in Gulmarg and the subsequent closure of the road to Tangmarg.

The Army assisted in evacuation of 68 civilians along with provisioning of hot meals, shelter and medication for a total of 137 tourists.

In another case, the Army said it responded to an emergency distress call to evacuate a pregnant woman from Munad village in Kulgam.

“Amidst heavy snowfall, the rescue team reached the location on time. Immediate lifesaving medical assistance was extended and the patient was evacuated to Government Hospital, Yaripora,” the Army said.

Baramulla Police also launched extensive emergency assistance operations across the district following heavy snowfall.

“Police teams were strategically deployed along the Gulmarg-Tangmarg road axis and other critical areas to aid stranded travellers,” police spokesperson said.

It said the operations included rescuing stranded vehicles, providing mechanical assistance, and helping install snow chains.

“Emergency help desks were established at key locations, offering shelter and transportation assistance to tourists,” the spokesperson commented.

Also, police and government officials of Anantnag and Kulgam districts in South Kashmir rendered helping hands to the stranded tourist and other vehicles amid heavy snowfall.