SRINAGAR: It was a strange call to come to police helpline number ‘100’. But then two trekkers who had dialled up cops had found themselves in an extraordinary situation, caught in the crossfire between
security forces
and terrorists during their outing to the Zabarwan mountain on the fringes of Srinagar. Both were eventually rescued.
“It was an active
anti-terror operation
that was underway on Sunday when the trekkers, both of them teachers, called us,” a senior police officer said. With their bearded profiles, coupled with haversacks on their back, the forces, who had intelligence signalling the presence of terrorists in the area, had initially mistaken the private school teachers to be their intended targets.
Security forces opened fire on them, and as shots rang out, the duo crept behind a boulder, uncertain of the source of the fusillade. The forces issued warnings and commanded them to surrender, but the frightened teachers continued to hide until one finally managed to call the
emergency helpline 100
, reporting their predicament and requesting police assistance.
The police control room (PCR) then alerted the local SHO, who in turn informed senior officers. A rescue team led by Srinagar SSP quickly intervened, halting the operation and confirming the trekkers’ identities before letting them leave. “The duo was rescued after they told us about their ordeal,”
Kashmir police
chief Vidhi Kumar Birdi said, adding that the teachers were unharmed.
Birdi has now urged trekkers and adventure enthusiasts to inform the nearest police station in advance about their travel plans and routes, particularly in sensitive or remote areas where security operations may be underway. “This protocol ensures we can act swiftly to ensure their safety if unexpected incidents occur,” he added.
Police said the teachers were carrying backpacks and sticks typical of both trekkers and terrorists. “It could have been a tragic mistake,” said an officer.
