SRINAGAR: A potentially dangerous situation was narrowly averted on Sunday as Jammu Kashmir Police rescued two trekkers from the Zabarwan Hills in Srinagar after they unwittingly became involved in a security operation. The trekkers, identified as Tariq Ahmad Mir and Mufti Ziyan, are employees of a well-known missionary school in Srinagar.
The incident unfolded when security forces received reports of suspicious individuals carrying bags and sticks in the Zabarwan Hills area, according to local news gatherer KNT. Acting on this information, police swiftly cordoned off the region and issued warning shots, which went unanswered. The tension was defused when one of the trekkers managed to contact the police control room by dialling 100, bringing the matter to the attention of senior officials.
SSP Srinagar responded promptly to the call and arrived at the scene, halting the security operation. Mir and Ziyan were then safely escorted from behind rocks and brought to the police station for identification and questioning. Following a thorough verification of their credentials, the trekkers were reunited with their families.
Police have since advised trekkers to notify local authorities before entering areas where security operations are active to prevent similar situations. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir Zone, Vidhi Kumar Birdi, emphasised the importance of trekkers and adventure enthusiasts sharing their travel plans and routes with local police stations. “Notifying us allows swift response measures to ensure their safety if unexpected situations arise,” the IGP Kashmir told Greater Kashmir.
