IAF airlifts 291 stranded civilian passengers to Leh

JAMMU: Coming to the rescue of stranded passengers in Jammu, the Indian Air Force today airlifted 291 stranded passengers from the winter capital to Leh.

" IAF has launched its aircraft sorties to airlift 291 stranded passengers, from Jammu to Leh, on being requisitioned by the civil administration today," PRO Defence Col R K Palta said.

A giant IL-76 transport aircraft of the IAF was pressed into service, to ferry the stranded passengers, mostly hailing from Leh and Kargil Districts of J&K, he said.

The passengers, which included 50 women and children, were airlifted today by the special IAF aircraft, Col Palta said.