Srinagar- The Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Response Force (JKSDRF) on Saturday felicitated four civilians for their exemplary bravery and swift rescue efforts during two recent incidents in the Valley, including the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year and the accidental blast at Nowgam police station last month.
The felicitation took place in Srinagar as part of the 63rd Raising Day celebrations of Home Guards and Civil Defence.
Among those honoured was Nazakat Shah, a resident of Anantnag district, who bravely rushed to save a tourist family in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam.
Three residents of the Nowgam locality in Srinagar — Wahid Jeelani Dar, Shabir Ahmad Wani, and Shabir Ahmad Bhat — were also recognised for being the first responders after the November 14 accidental blast at the Nowgam police station. Their quick action helped rescue police personnel in danger, officials said.
Commendation certificates and cash rewards of Rs 10,000 each were presented to the four civilians by Commandant General Home Guards, Civil Defence and JKSDRF, DIG (Civil Defence and SDRF Kashmir) Imtiyaz Hussain Mir.
“These civilians put their own lives at risk to save others. Their courage and humanity deserve the highest appreciation,” Mir said.
In addition to these awards, several Civil Defence wardens and volunteers were also honoured with commendation certificates and cash rewards of Rs 5,000 for exceptional performance in training, awareness, and rescue activities.
Officials said the recognition aims to encourage community participation in emergency response and promote a culture of timely assistance during crises.
MHA Honours SSP Masroor Mir
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has awarded the prestigious Director General’s Gold Disc and Commendation Certificate to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Masroor Ahmed Mir, Commandant of the 1st Battalion, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) Srinagar, in recognition of his exemplary service and leadership in disaster management and civil protection.
The honour was announced during the 63rd Annual Day of Civil Defence and Home Guards observed in New Delhi, where personnel from across the country were felicitated for distinguished service in fire safety, civil defence and home guard operations.
Officials said the award acknowledges SSP Mir’s crucial role in enhancing SDRF’s operational readiness, and in strengthening rapid response and rescue capabilities across Jammu and Kashmir.
They added that his contributions have significantly improved the state’s disaster response mechanisms, including better coordination, training and emergency preparedness.
The recognition reflects the strong emphasis being laid on improving ground level disaster management infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, they noted.
