Rescue Operation in Remote Ganderbal Forest
A special operations team of Jammu and Kashmir Police successfully rescued a critically ill man from a remote high-altitude forest in Ganderbal district on Sunday, officials said. The rescued individual, identified as Najeeb Khan, a shepherd, had suffered a severe cardiac emergency while staying at his seasonal mountain shelter, known locally as a 'dhok', in the upper reaches of Kaindalwa Top in Anderwan area.
Khan was grazing his cattle along with his two sons when he experienced severe chest pain and deteriorating health. He began descending towards his home in Anderwan on horseback but was intercepted by the special team during a routine patrol in the area.
First Aid and Initial Response
According to a police spokesman, the personnel immediately provided first aid, water, and emergency medication to stabilize Khan's condition. Despite these efforts, his health continued to worsen, prompting the team to launch a rescue operation. The operation was extremely challenging due to the rugged mountainous landscape, thick forests, and absence of motorable roads.
“The police personnel carried the ailing man on their shoulders for long stretches, taking turns while navigating steep and difficult terrain. At one point, after covering nearly a km downhill, the team was forced to halt due to the worsening condition of the patient and exhaustion caused by the difficult terrain,” the spokesman said.
Community Coordination and Evacuation
In the meantime, local villagers coordinated with the rescue team and arranged a makeshift stretcher. “After several hours of relentless effort, the stretcher reached the rescue party, enabling them to safely continue the evacuation. Throughout the operation, the team continuously monitored Najeeb Khan’s condition and provided necessary assistance to keep him stable,” he added.
After nearly five hours of sustained rescue efforts, the team successfully brought Najeeb Khan out of the remote forest area and ensured his immediate transfer to a hospital via ambulance for urgent medical treatment. The operation underscores the commitment of Jammu and Kashmir Police to saving lives even in the most challenging terrains.
