Mendhar (Poonch), September 4, 2026: Indian Army personnel rescued a teenage girl who was being swept away unconscious in the Mendhar Nala towards the Pakistan side in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday.
The incident occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. Sentries deployed at forward posts observed an unidentified girl, estimated to be between 14 and 16 years of age, floating in an unconscious state along the stream near Balnoi.
In a prompt and daring operation, a jawan from the Balnoi battalion jumped into the flowing water and pulled the girl to safety. The Mendhar Nala in this sector lies close to the Line of Control and flows towards Pakistani territory, making the timely intervention critical.
The rescued girl was identified as Uzma Kausar, daughter of Gulsaid and a resident of Balnoi. Army personnel immediately evacuated her to the Primary Health Centre at Mankote. Local police, medical authorities and the village Sarpanch were informed in advance to ensure prompt medical attention.
Officials reported that her condition is stable and that her family members have been informed. Some accounts indicated that she received initial on-site medical assistance before being shifted to the Mendhar Sub-District Hospital for further treatment. Police also reached the location. Further details were awaited at the time of reporting.
The operation highlights the Indian Army’s dual responsibilities of maintaining vigilance along the Line of Control and extending immediate humanitarian assistance to civilians in remote border areas of Poonch. Mendhar tehsil, situated in the foothills of the Pir Panjal range, has several villages adjoining the LoC, where streams and nalas can pose sudden risks during periods of water flow.
