Prompt rescue operation by IAF in Gurez saves life of minor

Srinagar, Feb 2: Prompt and timely rescue operation by Indian Air Force (IAF) has helped to save the life of a nine-year-old ill boy from border town of Gurez, which remained cut off from rest of the state due to closure of road with district headquarter, Bandipora.

Defence Ministry spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia, giving details about the rescue operation, told UNI that Taufik, who lives in Gurez, suffered acute pain as a result of appendicitis on January 31 night.
However, due to non-availability of adequate medical care in the area, he had to be evacuated to Srinagar for treatment.
Col Kalia said a message for evacuation was received at the Air Force Station, Srinagar at night. 
Crew along with helicopter was put on standby. However, bad weather at Gurez prevented the helicopter from getting airborne next morning.
He said the helicopter was then put on another assignment. On the way back from this assignment the crew of the helicopter received a message that the weather at Gurez had improved to ‘marginal’. The helicopter was diverted to the landing site. After a successful landing, Taufik and his father were picked up despite continuous snowfall and low clouds and evacuated to Srinagar.
Prompt action by IAF and its highly motivated crew saved a young life. Taufik is now recuperating at a medical facility in Srinagar, he said.
Gurez, surrounded by Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) was recently cut off due to fresh snowfall early this week. However, the Gurez-Bandipora road remained almost open due to less snowfall this winter. UNI