Nation salutes disaster response forces: Lt Governor

Srinagar, May 25: Soon after security forces rescued 320 tourists stranded mid-air following a technical snag in the Gulmarg Gondola, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha hailed the courage and swift response of the rescue teams, while Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat announced commendation awards for police and rescue personnel involved in the successful operation.
The Lieutenant Governor wrote on X: “The nation stands united in applauding extraordinary bravery of disaster response teams, who safely rescued 300 tourists stranded mid-air in Gulmarg’s cable cars. Army, JKP, SDRF, NDRF, DC, SSPs moved promptly & after a 6-hour operation, rescued all passengers from 65 cable cars. All tourists are safe.”
“I spoke with senior officials and directed them to ensure every necessary support is provided. The nation salutes the disaster response forces, Army, JKP and district administration for their valor and remarkable skill,” he added.
Meanwhile, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat announced commendation awards for police and rescue personnel involved in the successful rescue operation.
Addressing the rescue teams at Gulmarg Gondola, the DGP, per KNO praised the personnel for carrying out the difficult operation in harsh weather and mountainous terrain.
He said the rescue mission was completed despite major challenges, including rocky terrain, bad weather and the complexity of evacuating people from suspended cable cars.
“Today all of you have made J&K Police proud,” the DGP said while commending the efforts of personnel from police, SOG, J&K Armed Police and SDRF.
He announced that all personnel involved in the operation would be nominated for awards. The DGP said those who have not yet received the DGP Commendation Disc will be awarded the honour, while personnel who have already received it will be considered for other commendation awards.
The DGP said the successful operation reflected the bravery, dedication and professionalism of the rescue teams, who continued the mission despite exhaustion and difficult conditions.
He also congratulated the officers and personnel for safely rescuing stranded tourists and completing the operation successfully late at night. (KNO)