JAMMU: The Indian Air Force (IAF) today airlifted as many as 192 people trapped in snow-hit Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.
"As many as 192 snow-trapped persons were airlifted by IAF, which launched fresh air rescue operation by from the Jammu-based IAF's 130 Helicopter Unit in Kishtwar district since early this morning despite poor visibility, blowing snow waves and minus 9 degree Celsius temperature," defence spokesperson, Jammu, S N Acharya said.
Braving piercing snow waves and extreme cold conditions, IAF's MI-17 choppers were back to business after operations remained suspended yesterday in view of Republic Day.
The operations were launched on a request by the state government to ferry people stranded in snow-hit areas of Sonder, Dachin, Marwah and Nawapachin in the district since January 7.
The IAF had earlier rescued 2,188 passengers including 1,613 civilians between the two capital cities of Jammu and Srinagar on January 21.
Popularly known as CONDORS, the 130 Helicopter Unit had first launched a major air operation on January 9 to reach out to snow-trapped people with essential supplies and medicines.
The choppers carried out several sorties in Reasi, Gulabgarh, Ramban and other areas to ferry essential materials as well as people.