Braveheart: Kashmiri Guide Drowns In River After Saving 5 Tourists

32-year-old tour guide Rouf Ahmad Dar died while rescuing five tourists when their boat capsized in the Lidder river in Pahalgam area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district while they were out on a rafting trip.

The Incident

The group went for rafting at around 7 pm. Sources said that although white water rafting is not allowed after sunset, Dar, a diploma in rafting, was insisted by the tourists to take them out.

Meanwhile, strong winds upturned the boat and the tourists fell into the river’s raging waters. Dar managed to rescue the tourists but lost his life.

A rescue team comprising SDRF, J&K Police and local volunteer fished his body out of the river near Bhawani Bridge area on Saturday, June 1, and after completion of medico-legal formalities, it was handed it over to his kin.

Rouf Ahmad Dar – a real hero who saved the lives of few tourists at the expense of his own life…
Let's all pray for eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family. pic.twitter.com/0xYdfsRE77

— Arif Amin (@ArifAmin18) June 1, 2019

“Dar successfully saved five tourists, including two foreigners, in the true spirit of trademark Kashmiri hospitality,” officials said.

Ex gratia of Rs two lakh was announced for Dar’s family by Kashmir divisional commissioner Baseer Ahmad Khan. A compensation of Rs 5 lakh was announced for the deceased’s kin by Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik, who hailed Dar as a real-life hero who “sacrificed his life for saving the lives of others”, reported The Times Of India.

Deputy Commissioner Anantnag has also recommended Dar for a bravery award.

Setting the finest example of selfless courage; Tourist guide Rouf Ahmad Dar sacrificed his life saving five people including two foreigners in #Lidder river in #Pahalgam. RIP braveheart of#Kashmir @NorthernComd_IA @adgpi @PIB_India pic.twitter.com/bduKgnBiL2

— Chinar Corps – Indian Army (@ChinarcorpsIA) June 1, 2019

After completing his Ba &BEd, Dar was pursuing a masters degree in political science through Indira Gandhi Open University. He is survived by his parents, two siblings and wife. His father works at a hotel in Pahalgam as a receptionist.

Dar did not think twice before risking his life for the five tourists. The Logical Indian community pays Tribute to Dar who laid down his life while saving the tourists.

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