Ganderbal, June 21: In a remarkable display of courage, dedication, and humanitarian service, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Ganderbal Police successfully rescued a critically ill shepherd from the remote high-altitude forests of Kaindalwa Top in Anderwan after he suffered a severe cardiac emergency.
The rescued man, Najeeb Khan, a resident of Anderwan in Ganderbal district, was staying at his seasonal mountain shelter (dhok) in the upper reaches of Kaindalwa Top when he developed severe chest pain and his health rapidly deteriorated. Accompanied by his two sons, Khan had begun descending towards Anderwan on horseback in search of medical assistance.
During a routine patrol in the area, an SOG covert team came across Khan in distress. Realising the gravity of the situation, the police personnel immediately administered first aid, provided water and emergency medication, and attempted to stabilise his condition. However, his health continued to worsen, necessitating urgent evacuation.
With no time to lose, the SOG team launched a rescue operation. While one of Khan’s sons was sent back to alert family members at the dhok, the police personnel, assisted by the other son, began carrying the ailing man through the dense and rugged forest terrain.
The rescue mission proved extremely challenging due to the steep mountainous landscape, thick forests and the absence of any motorable road. The police personnel took turns carrying Khan on their shoulders across difficult stretches of terrain. After covering nearly a kilometre downhill, the team was forced to pause as the patient’s condition deteriorated further and the rescuers battled exhaustion.
Meanwhile, local villagers coordinated with the rescue team and arranged a makeshift stretcher. Once the stretcher reached the site after several hours, the evacuation resumed. Throughout the operation, the team continuously monitored Khan’s condition and provided necessary assistance to keep him stable.
After nearly five hours of relentless effort, the SOG personnel successfully brought Khan out of the remote forest area and ensured his immediate transfer to a hospital by ambulance for urgent medical treatment.
According to family members, Khan’s condition stabilised later that night. The following day, he personally contacted the police team to express his heartfelt gratitude for their timely intervention, which he said had saved his life. He also thanked Ganderbal Police and everyone involved in the rescue operation.
The successful rescue highlights the dedication, professionalism and compassion of Jammu & Kashmir Police personnel, who continue to go beyond their law enforcement duties to protect and save lives in some of the most challenging and inaccessible regions.
