Tourism Department, Kashmir has condoled the death of Tourist Guide Rouf Ahmad Dar, who lost his life while saving a tourist couple from drowning in Lidder river at Pahalgam.
According to an official spokesperson, CommissionerSecretary Tourism Rigzian Sampheal also expressed grief and conveyed hiscondolences to the bereaved family.
Director Tourism Kashmir Nisar Ahmad Wani said this is avery tragic incident and the department shares the grief with the family.
“We are saddened to hear about the tragic incident. I conveymy deepest condolences to the family of the deceased at this time of grief,” hesaid.
President Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad paid tributes to RoufAhmad Dar for his bravery.
Ashiq, in a statement, said that while the administration’sprompt response in recommending bravery award and financial support was highlyappreciable, the KCCI would urge for providing the widow of Dar with apermanent government job. Ashiq announced that KCCI Relief Trust would alsoprovide required assistance to the family.
In a joint condolence meeting with president ATOAK RaufTramboo in chair, the members of Adventure Tour Operators Association (ATOAK),Kashmir Rafting Operators Association (KROA) and J&K Ski and MountaineeringAssociation (JKSMA) paid rich tributes to Rouf Ahmad Dar, a guide and adventuretour operator of Yenner, Pahalgam.
A statement issued by the ATOAK stateed the members wereshocked to learn the sad demise of their colleague and fellow rafting operatorwho in the line of service while saving the lives of tourist gave his own lifethus setting the highest example of bravery, courage and human values.
In the time of grief and sorrow the members of ATOAK, KROAand JKSMA share the pain with the bereaved family of the deceased and prayed toAlmighty for a highest place for him in Jannah. CCIK president Ghulam Mohiuddin Khan has alsocondoled the demise of brave heart Rouf Ahmad Dar. “Rouf sacrificed hislife while upholding the age-old traditions of Kashmiris to take care oftourists. We saltute his valour and courage,” Khan said.