214 Tourists Rescued by Indian Army and J&K Police from Sinthan Pass Amid Heavy Snowfall
Synopsis
In a daring rescue mission, the Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police saved 214 people from the perilous Sinthan Pass after heavy snowfall rendered the roads unsafe. This operation highlights the resilience and commitment of the forces in ensuring public safety.
Key Takeaways
214 individuals rescued from Sinthan Pass.
Joint operation by Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police .
Heavy snowfall created hazardous travel conditions.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
Travelers advised to avoid certain routes until safe.
New Delhi, March 16 (NationPress) In a remarkable joint effort, the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police managed to rescue 214 stranded tourists and local residents from the treacherous high-altitude Sinthan Pass on Monday, following a deluge of heavy snowfall that had obstructed transportation in the area.
The Indian Army reported that soldiers from the 19 Rashtriya Rifles collaborated with police units from Anantnag to execute a daunting rescue mission under extremely adverse weather conditions. The individuals were left stranded as persistent snowfall rendered the roads perilously slippery and visibility nearly nonexistent along this elevated route.
The rescue teams successfully transferred the stranded individuals from the perilous high-altitude region to safer zones, averting any significant incidents despite the challenging circumstances.
According to officials, the situation arose as fresh snowfall rendered the mountainous road exceedingly hazardous for vehicles. The Sinthan Pass, which links Kishtwar in the Jammu region with Anantnag in the Kashmir Valley, frequently experiences traffic interruptions during winter due to snow buildup and slippery conditions.
Earlier on Sunday, over 30 light motor vehicles were also trapped at Margan Top and its surrounding areas following moderate snowfall that impacted the high-altitude passes.
Upon receiving reports about the trapped vehicles, teams from the police, army, and civil administration swiftly arrived at the scene and initiated a rescue operation to guarantee the safety of all passengers.
Authorities have advised travelers to refrain from using the Sinthan–Margan route until weather conditions improve and the road is deemed safe for travel.
Additionally, traffic on the Mughal Road, which connects the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu with Shopian in southern Kashmir, was also halted on Sunday evening due to fresh snowfall at Pir Ki Gali and nearby areas.
Officials indicated that the situation is under close observation, and road access will be reinstated once weather conditions stabilize.
Point of View
The collaborative efforts of the Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police to rescue stranded individuals reflect a commitment to public safety and effective crisis management. This incident underscores the importance of preparedness in handling severe weather challenges.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the stranding of tourists at Sinthan Pass?
The tourists were stranded due to heavy snowfall that made roads slippery and visibility nearly zero, creating hazardous conditions.
How many individuals were rescued?
A total of 214 tourists and local civilians were successfully evacuated from the Sinthan Pass.
Which units participated in the rescue operation?
The rescue operation involved troops from the 19 Rashtriya Rifles and police teams from Anantnag.
What precautions have authorities advised for travelers?
Authorities have urged travelers to avoid the Sinthan-Margan route until conditions improve and the road is declared safe.
Is traffic still disrupted on other routes?
Yes, traffic on the Mughal Road has also been suspended due to fresh snowfall.
