J&K Floods: A salute to men in blue

Let it be an Indo-China war, Indo-Pak war or internal calamities of direct and indirect in nature, it is only the soldiers who are on the leading front. Remember the 26/11 incident of Mumbai, Uttarakhand’s tragic floods in 2013 or the most recent Beas River mishap.. wherever and whatever happens adversely, the soldier is remembered.

But, I wonder how much respect a soldier is given otherwise. Despite many adverse conditions a soldier gives his life to the nation without expecting anything in return.

So far 1737 personnel & 315.5 metric tonnes of relief material have been airlifted till by the Indian Air Force (IAF) using 45 aircraft flying 186 sorties, which include both the fixed and rotary wing types.

Transport aircraft have been supporting rescue operations operating from Bathinda, Chandigarh, Srinagar, Jammu, Awantipur and Delhi.

Helicopters, meanwhile, are operating from Srinagar, Awantipur, Udhampur, Jammu, Pathankot and Sarsawa. Relief materials airlifted today to Srinagar, Jammu, Awantipur and other affected areas include blankets, tents, medical supplies, food (MRE - meals ready to eat) and water.

Air Force helicopters with IAF Garud Commandos on board operating in the flood affected areas have so far winched up 321 victims relocating them to safer areas. In some cases the Garuds had to dismantle the roof and evacuate people trapped in the top floors of their houses. All efforts are being made to evacuate as many people as possible despite the inclement weather and limited resources.

The Hans India salutes the men in blue for their invaluable and tireless efforts!!