The Army today provided relief to the more than 300 people stranded on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, after it was closed for vehicular traffic for the second consecutive day today.
"To provide succor to the stranded passengers, Rashtriya Rifles Battalion under Delta Force located at Nachlana mobilised resources to provide meals and other facilities to them," Defence spokesman (officiating) S N Acharya said.
A column of Delta Force of almost 100 troops reached the landslide area and rescued almost 30 families stranded on the highway and took them to the nearest Rashtriya Rifles camp.
"Over 100 males, 30 females and 30 children were evacuated to the and sheltered at the nearest RR camp," Acharya said.
He said that over 250passengerswere also provided meals, drinking water and emergency medical aid.
"Over 200 sets of blankets, sleeping bags and balaclavas have been provided to the evacuated passengers," he said.
Acharya said another column provided relief to more than 200 stranded passengers in areas of Tathar and Gund and evacuated them to nearest Rashtriya Rifles camp.
"Delta Force is providing relief to as many stranded passengers as possible, especially elders, ladies and children in the camps nearby. The relief shall continue till the time road opens," he said.
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Replying to a question, Lt Gen Dua said there were reports of some boys having joined militant ranks, but their exact number could not be ascertained due to the unrest.
"Police have been carrying out raids and making arrests due to which some boys have gone into hiding. So it is difficult to put a specific number to how many of them have joined the terror groups.
"Some boys have gone across (the LoC), I do concede that. There are some misguided youths and we hope to bring them back into the mainstream. The unrest is only affecting the poor," he added.
The Army officer said the weapon snatching from security forces by militants was a cause of concern.
Asked about the September 18 Uri attack in which 19 soldiers were killed, he said the Army has learnt lessons and implemented improvements after the incident.
Lt Gen Dua said soldiers equivalent to two brigades, in addition to CRPF personnel, have been inducted for maintaining law and order in the Valley.
The purpose of these additional army units has been to calm things down. Since these units have come up around Eid, things have actually calmed down in south Kashmir. You will very soon see peace and quiet in the Valley again, he said.
