Qazigund, Jul 12 (KNO): Ashiq Hussain, a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel from Qazigund, became a real-life hero during the Amarnath Yatra by saving the life of an ill pilgrim, carrying him on his back for nearly 3 kilometres through treacherous terrain from Pissu Top to Chandanwari.
A devotee from Gujarat was reportedly experiencing severe breathlessness and was on the verge of collapse. Unable to walk further through the steep and rugged path, his situation turned critical.
“I was at Sheshnag along with DSP to inspect the arrangements when we received information about the pilgrim in distress,” Ashiq told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). “We immediately rushed to the spot. I lifted him from Pissu Top and carried him all the way to Chandanwari, around 3 kilometres, despite heavy rains and the tough, slippery trail.”
Ashiq said the man had a relative with him who was in tears, overwhelmed by the situation. "We administered preliminary care (PCR), and thankfully, he showed signs of recovery. I then shifted him to the hospital at Chandanwari for further treatment," he added.
The emotional moment was captured on video by the pilgrim’s relative, who can be heard saying with deep gratitude, “You helped us a lot…”
The 38-day annual Amarnath Yatra to the 3,880-metre high cave shrine started from the two routes on July 3 and is scheduled to end on August 9.
Over 1.80 lakh pilgrims have so far visited the shrine, which houses a naturally formed Shivlingam—(KNO)