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Updated May 26, 2026 · 11:05
Jammu And Kashmir News Updated May 26, 2026

J&K DGP Hails ‘Toughest Challenge’ As 320 Rescued From Gulmarg Cable Cars

Jammu and Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat praised rescue teams for safely evacuating 320 people from stranded cable car cabins in Gulmarg. The operation involved J&K Police, SDRF, NDRF, Army, and local rescuers working in coordination. Prabhat admitted initial disbelief about completing the task before midnight, calling it the toughest challenge. He announced DG Commendation medals for all rescuers, with additional rewards for those already holding commendations.

Toughest challenge: J&K DGP on rescue operation of 320 stranded in Gulmarg cable cars

Srinagar, May 26

Jammu and Kashmir DGP Nalin Prabhat said on Tuesday that it was a proud moment for him to stand with the teams of rescuers, who undertook the most challenging task by safely rescuing 320 people from the stranded cable car cabins in Gulmarg.

"Honestly speaking, I didn't believe we could complete the task before midnight. It is a proud moment for me to stand with you", the DGP told teams of J&K Police, SDRF, NDRF, Army and the local rescuers.

"Teams from the Gulmarg police station were the first to reach the site, but they were immediately joined by the Army, J&K armed police, NDRF, SDRF and local rescuers. All of them worked in the most coordinated and professional manner to successfully complete the rescue operation and bring down 320 stranded people," the police chief said.

Special DGP Javaid Mujtaba Gilani, Special DG and Commandant General Home Guards Abdul Ghani Mir, IGP Kashmir V.K.Birdi, and other senior police officers were present with the DGP during the supervision of the rescue operation.

The police chief said rescue on the ground is not as challenging and tough as the one to rescue people stranded in car cabins in difficult, mountainous terrain amid bad weather.

"We in J&K Police have always been given the toughest challenges, and we have always successfully completed them," he said.

The DGP also congratulated personnel of Gulmarg Police Station, SOG, J&K Armed Police, Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs), SDRF and other agencies for their extraordinary efforts during the six-hour-long operation.

"You may be tired, hungry and thirsty, but I am sure all of you are happy because you were given a purpose today and you achieved success," he said.

He further announced that every person engaged in the rescue operation would receive the DG Commendation medal in recognition of their bravery and dedication.

He said those of the rescuers who already have DG's commendation certificates would be rewarded through other means, like promotions, etc.

— IANS

Reader Comments

James A

Impressive operation. Six hours to rescue 320 people from cable cars in the mountains during bad weather - that's world-class response time. The fact that the DGP himself stayed through the night supervising shows leadership.

Suresh O

This is the real face of our security forces - not just fighting terrorism but saving lives in every situation. The SDRF and NDRF teams are doing amazing work across the country. But we must also ensure regular maintenance of such cable cars to prevent such incidents. Prevention is better than cure.

Priya S

As a mom, I can only imagine the fear those 320 people felt trapped in those cable cars. Thank God our brave rescuers brought them down safely. The Gulmarg police station team reaching first shows how prepared our local forces are. Really proud of everyone involved! 🙏

Ravi K

This is what true service looks like. The DGP's words - "you may be tired, hungry and thirsty, but I am sure all of you are happy because you were given a purpose today" - perfectly capture the spirit of our forces. But one thing I want to mention: the commendation medals are good, but these heroes also need better equipment and more resources for future operations. Let's not just praise but also invest in their safety.

Neha E

Incredible coordination shown by all agencies! The Army, J&K Police, NDRF, SDRF all working together seamlessly - this is the strength of our nation. Glad everyone is safe. Hope the tourism department also takes note and ensures proper safety measures for

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