J&K: Army Troops Rescue Over 80 Students, Staff Stranded Amid Heavy Snowstorm In Banihal

Army troops rescued more than 80 students and faculty members who were stranded on the Jammu-Srinagar highway due to a severe snowstorm and landslide.

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Following a severe snowstorm and landslide in Jammu, army troops on Thursday rescued more than 80 students and faculty members who were stranded on the Jammu-Srinagar highway. 

The heavy snowfall and landslides on Wednesday led to numerous commuters becoming stranded along the perilous Jammu-Srinagar highway. Among those stranded were 74 students from a law college along with seven staff members.

Acting swiftly, army troops managed to rescue the distressed staff and students of Rajasthan Law College from NH44, which had been blocked due to adverse conditions on the Jammu-Srinagar highway.

Professor Kalpesh Nikawat, Principal of Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, praised the Indian army for their commendable rescue operation. "I have no words to express my thanks to the Army which came forward for our rescue in such inclement weather and provided food and shelter to us...Hats off to the Army," Professor Nikawat said after the Indian army successfully rescued them.

He recounted that although the students and staff were on an enjoyable trip to Kashmir, they became stranded in Qazigund town (Gateway of Kashmir) for three days due to the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway amidst heavy snowfall, which resulted landslide in the area.

Describing the harrowing experience, one of the students stated, "A landslide occurred just 500 meters in front of our vehicle after crossing Banihal, leaving us frightened". 

Praising the army, professor Priyadarshi Nagda said, "The personnel responded to their desperate call for help within a couple of hours and provided blankets, food, and shelter to the students and the staff.". 

Expressing gratitude, student Ashutosh Shastri, who was among those caught in the snowstorm also stated that he was thankful to the army for their support, calling his stay at the army camp home-like.