Doda, Oct 7 (KNS): The Indian Army rescued 25 members of the Bakarwal tribal community who were trapped in a sudden snowstorm in the upper reaches of Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday.
The tribals, part of dozens of families on their traditional seasonal migration from high-altitude meadows in Kishtwar (Padder, Marwah, Dachan, Warwan) towards Kathua, Jammu, and Samba via Bhaderwah, were caught in unseasonal snowfall. While many families reached safer locations, several were stranded in Padri Gali, Satlad, Biddi Gali, and Ganja-Goth areas.
Personnel from the 4 Rashtriya Rifles, stationed at Bhaderwah, swiftly launched a rescue operation from their Khanni Top post (10,000 feet altitude) after receiving information about the stranded families.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The troops safely evacuated 11 men, 10 women, and 4 children, along with 420 livestock, including 250 sheep, 150 goats, and 20 horses.
The rescued individuals were brought to the Army camp, where they received first aid, free ration, and essential supplies. Grateful for the timely intervention, the Bakarwals said they had lost hope but were saved thanks to the Army’s brave response amid harsh weather conditions.(KNS).