Srinagar, June 01 (KNO) : A tourist guide, hailing from Pahalgam area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Saturday lost his life while saving five tourists who had drowned Lidder river in Pahalgam. Body of the tourist guide identified as Rouf Ahmad Dar was retrieved near Bhawani Bridge from Lidder here.
“He lost his life while successfully saving five tourists including two outsiders,” an official from the district administration said. The body after completion of Medico legal formalities was handed over to his relatives.
Meanwhile, Governor Satya Pal Malik saluted the bravery of Rouf Dar, who yesterday lost his life while rescuing tourists from the Lidder river in Pahalgam. He described Rouf as a real life hero who sacrificed his life for saving lives of others.
Governor has prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family in its hour of grief. Honouring the exemplary display of selfless action, Governor has announced financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh for the family of Rouf. Advisor to Governor, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai had said that the deceased tourist guide will be awarded posthumously. He had said that he has also announced monetary help for the family of the deceased.
Hailing the valour and self-sacrifice of Rouf Ahmad Dar, Ganai said the sacrifice of Rouf Ahmad Dar was yet another example of how much the people of Kashmir care for their tourists. “Without caring for his own life, Rouf braved strong currents of river Lidder to save five tourists from drowning. It was the ultimate sacrifice one can offer,” he said, in a statement.
The Advisor also issued directions to CEO Pahalgam Tourism Development Authority to remain careful and track weather and take all other precautionary measures for ensuring safety and security of tourists especially during trekking, mountaineering and rafting expeditions. Ganai also said that the deceased will be suitably awarded posthumously and monetary help will be provided to the family.
The Advisor conveyed his heart-felt sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for Jannah tul Firdous to the departed soul. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Basser Ahmad Khan has also announced Rs 2 lakh as an immediate relief in favour of the bereaved family.(KNO)