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Cop saves 24 lives before succumbing to landslide

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

In Jammu and Kashmir, where militancy has claimed countless lives, Central Industrial Security Force jawan Mohammad Ayub stands out as a shining example of selfless service.

Last week, as landslides unleashed their fury on Gangtok, Ayub heard cries for help from a residential area near Raj Bhavan. Ignoring the menacing cloud-burst which threatened to dampen his spirits, Ayub ran up to the nearby hillock and plunged through mud, rocks and debris to rescue the victims.

Summoning his colleagues who lent a helping hand, the brave policeman saved 24 lives before he was trapped in the debris. Colleagues rushed to help Ayub, but it was too late.

Ayub was posted at the Sikkim governor's residence in Gangtok, where he was on deputation.

Tales of Ayub's brave act reached his native Uri before his mortal remains did, and the entire border village waited for hours to salute him. Learning of the incident, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah rushed Finance Minister Mohammad Shafi to the village, 110 km from Srinagar, to offer condolences to the bereaved family. Shafi presented a cheque for Rs 100,000 as ex-gratia relief to the next of kin.

Some villagers said, ''Ayub has made the entire state proud.'' Abdullah went a step further, saying ''his supreme sacrifice will be remembered not only by the people of the state but also the entire country.''

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