On May 26, Nalin Prabhat, the Director General of Police (DGP) for Jammu and Kashmir, expressed immense pride in the successful rescue of 320 individuals stranded in cable car cabins in Gulmarg. During a press briefing, he underscored the difficulties faced by the rescue teams, stating, "Honestly speaking, I didn’t believe we could complete the task before midnight. It is a proud moment for me to stand with you." The DGP's remarks highlighted both the gravity of the situation and the exceptional coordination among various rescue agencies.
The rescue operation was initiated by teams from the Gulmarg Police Station, who were soon joined by the Army, J&K Armed Police, and both the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Together, they worked tirelessly to navigate the challenging terrain and adverse weather conditions in order to bring the stranded individuals to safety. DGP Prabhat noted that rescuing people stranded in cable cars is significantly more complex than typical ground rescues due to the unique challenges presented by the mountainous landscape.
A key highlight of the operation was the seamless cooperation between various agencies, which included special DGP Javaid Mujtaba Gilani, Special DG and Commandant General Home Guards Abdul Ghani Mir, and IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi. Their presence during the operation underscored the importance of the mission and the commitment of senior officials to support their teams on the ground. The DGP commended the teams for their extraordinary efforts, stating, "You may be tired, hungry, and thirsty, but I am sure all of you are happy because you were given a purpose today and you achieved success."
- In recognition — of their bravery, DGP Prabhat announced that every individual involved in the rescue operation would receive the DG Commendation medal.
- He also mentioned — that those who already hold DG’s commendation certificates would be rewarded through promotions and other forms of recognition.
- This gesture — not only honors the hard work of the rescuers but also serves to motivate them and others in the police force for future challenges.
The successful completion of this operation demonstrates the capability and dedication of the J&K Police and allied agencies in handling emergencies, especially in difficult and unpredictable environments. As DGP Prabhat noted, "We in J&K Police have always been given the toughest challenges, and we have always successfully completed them." This incident further cements the reputation of the J&K Police as a resilient and effective force in crisis situations.
