With the early onset of winters and heavy snowfall Gurez Valley has got cut off from the rest of the Valley since 06 Nov 2019. A large number of civilians were left stranded in the Gurez Valley. On 19 Nov, Dawar Battalion of Snow Leopard Brigade facilitated the airlift of the critical civil patients, pregnant ladies and elderly people on priority from Gurez to Bandipora.
On the request of the civil administration, the Army and Air Force in a joint effort evacuated 31 persons from Gurez Valley and facilitated induction of 16 persons into the Valley. The Army provided necessary succour and administrative support in the cold weather conditions at the helipad. The patients were also provided with medical care. Early heavy snowfall in the first week of November had precluded any timely move of patients and other transients thus leaving many people stranded. The locals thanked the Armed Forces for once again extending support to the people of Gurez in such times of need. The goodwill gesture will go a long way in strengthening the Awaam - Army Connect.