Aazan Manzoor
Srinagar, May 26: Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat hailed the joint rescue teams after the successful evacuation of around 320 tourists stranded during the Gulmarg Gondola malfunction, saying the operation reflected the courage, dedication and unmatched coordination of all forces involved.
Addressing the rescue personnel after the successful completion of the operation, DGP Prabhat, as per news agency JKNS, said the entire rescue mission was extremely challenging due to bad weather, mountainous terrain and the complexity of evacuating tourists from suspended cable cars.
“We were here and all of you saw how challenging it was. IGP Kashmir VK Birdi, DIG CKR Rajiv Pandey, DIG NKR Vinod Kumar and other senior officers are present on the spot. I can say this was one of the most challenging rescue operations,” the DGP said.
DGP Prabhat praised the flawless coordination between SDRF, J&K Police, Army, NDRF and local volunteers, saying their swift and professional response helped avert a major tragedy.
“I didn’t think we would be able to complete it before midnight considering the bad weather, mountainous terrain and the complexity of rescuing people from suspended cable cars,” he said.
“It is far more difficult to conduct a rescue operation in cable cars than on land. But all of you proved your capability and commitment today,” he added.
The DGP congratulated personnel of Gulmarg Police Station, SOG, J&K Armed Police, Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs), SDRF and other agencies for their extraordinary efforts during the six-hour-long operation.
“You may be tired, hungry and thirsty, but I am sure all of you are also happy because you were given a purpose today and you achieved success,” Prabhat said.
He further announced that every person involved in the rescue operation would receive the DG Commendation Award in recognition of their bravery and dedication.
“I don’t know whether I can give the DG Commendation Award to SDRF or not, but I assure you I will give them too,” the DGP said, as rescuers responded with applause and smiling faces.
“We are given difficult situations and challenges, but J&K Police always succeeds,” the DGP added. (JKNS)
