KL Report
Jammu
The Indian Air Force came to the assistance of stranded civilian brethren of J&K yet again at Jammu on Friday, when it launched a special IAF aircraft sortie to airlift 291 stranded passengers, from Jammu to Leh, on being requisitioned by the civil administration.
According to a defense spokesman, a giant IL-76 transport aircraft of the IAF was pressed into service, to ferry the stranded passengers, mostly hailing from Leh and Kargil Districts of J&K. A total of 291 passengers, which included 50 ladies and children, were airlifted today by the special IAF aircraft.
Air Cmde PE Patange YSM, VM, the Air Officer Commanding, Air Force Station Jammu and Gp Capt S Pati, Chief Administrative Officer of Air Force station Jammu, were present and personally supervised the smooth conduct of the entire airlift operation. The professionalism and tireless efforts of the Air Warriors of Air Force Station Jammu during the entire airlift operation, coupled with the close cooperation and full support from civil administration of J&K, ensured the smooth and efficient movement of the passengers, thereby ensuring that the aircraft was airborne, on time.
He said the civilians were highly appreciative of the all out efforts made by the Air Force Station Jammu, to make them comfortable before they boarded the aircraft. They expressed their gratitude to the Indian Air Force and to the civil administration, for the humanitarian assistance through the airlift, to ensure that they would reach their homes safely and speedily.
