Army saves 241 lives in Leh

The Indian army has once again come to the rescue of the civilians in the state of Jammu and Kashmir as it has saved lives of over 241 passengers stranded at various locations in the Ladakh region of the state.

"A large number of landslides and snow slides have trapped vehicles along the strategic Leh – Manali axis during past one week. The effect has been more pronounced near Baralacha La and along the road from Killing-Sarai to Bharatpur" a spokesman of the Udhampur based Northern Command of the army said.

He said that the Army detachments operating from Rumtse, Pang, Sarchu, Patsio and Tandi have offered spontaneous help to people stuck at different places providing high altitude warm clothing, shelter, hot meals, medical aid, satellite communication and carrying out physical rescue missions.

He said that a highly specialised and trained Avalanche Panther Rescue Team of Ladakh Scouts was inducted into the affected area for rescue and relief operations. 

"The second Avalanche Rescue Team is also being inducted shortly. One Medical Officer and one Signals Officer have been inducted to Patsio for providing medical assistance and communication arrangements to the stranded civilians. In addition medical stores, oxygen cylinders, supplies and rations have been airlifted by Army Aviation into the affected areas" the spokesman said.

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He said that till today 124 civilians, including 31 Bhutanese Nationals, 38 Nepalese Nationals and rest Indian tourists have been evacuated from Bharatpur to Sarchu and provided medical aid, shelter, warm clothing and hot meals.

"In addition, 22 civilians including two Australian Nationals present near Sarchu were rescued and provided medical aid. A vehicle cum foot patrol launched from Patsio to Suraj Tal evacuated 95 civilians and brought them to Patsio" he said

He said that all the evacuated passengers have been provided immediate medical aid, shelter and warm clothing. 

Army detachments are also clearing the road wherever civilian vehicles have been stuck.

Apart from fighting Pakistan sponsored terrorism in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army has also been extending helping hand for the civilians in the times of natural calamities.

During the devastating floods of 2014, the not only carried out massive relief and rescue operations but also opened the doors of its hospitals to provide treatment to the people who were in need.

Army has been the first responders whenever there is an emergency. Army rushes to the far of areas to aid the civil administration whenever any unfortunate incident takes place in the state. 

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