Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 25

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday deputed Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary to Gulmarg to oversee rescue operations after a technical fault temporarily halted the Gulmarg Gondola cable car service, leaving tourists stranded in suspended cabins.

Choudhary visited the site on the chief minister’s instructions to monitor evacuation efforts and review the response by rescue teams on the ground.

Member of Legislative Assembly Farooq Ahmad Shah, along with senior civil administration and police officials, was also present at the site, closely monitoring the situation and coordinating the rescue operation, officials said.

The Jammu and Kashmir government said it was closely monitoring developments after the gondola service was stopped because of a technical malfunction.

Officials said all cabins remained secure while trained rescue personnel continued evacuation efforts to bring stranded tourists to safety.

During his visit, the deputy chief minister reviewed the ongoing rescue measures and directed all concerned agencies to ensure a swift, coordinated and safe evacuation of the remaining passengers.

Authorities said most of the stranded cabins had already been cleared, with efforts continuing to evacuate those still awaiting rescue.

The government said the situation was under control and appealed to the public not to panic.