LG Sinha, CM Omar praise teams
Aatif Qayoom
Srinagar, May 25: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday applauded the country’s disaster response forces for safely rescuing more than 300 tourists stranded mid-air after a technical fault developed in the Gulmarg Gondola in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
“Applause to India’s disaster response forces for safely rescuing 300 tourists stranded mid-air in cable cars in Gulmarg, Kashmir. The disaster response teams comprising the SDRF, NDRF, Army personnel, local police and the administration swung into action and rescued all the passengers stranded in 65 cable cars through a six-hour-long operation. The nation salutes the forces for their valour and skill,” Shah said.
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said he was personally monitoring the rescue operation soon after the incident was reported and directed senior officials to rush to the spot.
“I’m monitoring the rescue operation for tourists stranded in cable car cabins following a technical fault in Gulmarg. I have directed DGP to proceed to the site. Joint rescue team of Police, Army and SDRF, along with DC and SSP, is conducting the operation to ensure the safety of all tourists,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah later appreciated the efforts of all agencies, rescue teams and personnel involved in the successful evacuation operation. He commended the swift response, coordination and professionalism displayed during the rescue mission, which ensured the safe evacuation of all stranded tourists.
The CM further said the incident would be thoroughly examined and an enquiry would be conducted into the technical fault. He said responsibility for any lapses would be fixed and appropriate action taken.
Authorities have temporarily suspended gondola operations and initiated a technical assessment of the system.
