Rescue Mission by Indian Air Force: Over 300 People Stranded in Jammu and Kashmir Safely Evacuated
Reported by Harsh Tripathi
As the chilly month rolls in, heavy snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has led to numerous tourists and locals getting stranded amidst the snow-covered mountains. Responding swiftly, the Indian Air Force (IAF) undertook a daring rescue operation, safely evacuating 328 individuals to secure locations.
According to the Air Force officials, those stranded at high altitudes were airlifted in three separate sorties. Since its commencement on January 22, under the coordination of civil administration, the IAF’s ‘Kargil Courier‘ service has successfully rescued a total of 3,442 individuals via air routes. Meanwhile, due to severe snowfall, the 434-kilometer long Srinagar-Leh National Highway has been closed.
Officials reported, ‘Two aircraft of the Air Force’s ‘Kargil Courier’ service airlifted 328 passengers on Saturday, while 144 passengers were ferried from Srinagar to Kargil via three AN-32 flights, and 12 passengers were transported from Kargil to Srinagar.’ Additionally, 164 passengers traveled from Jammu to Kargil, and eight passengers made the journey from Kargil to Jammu, benefiting from this service.
The swift and courageous efforts of the Indian Air Force have undoubtedly saved many lives, ensuring the safety of those stranded amidst the harsh winter conditions in the region.
