Rajouri, June 11, KNT: In a tragic incident, a 68-year-old retired school teacher lost his life while helping to contain a forest fire in the Kalakote area of Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir.
The deceased, Abdul Aziz, a resident of Panda Khetar village in Dalyote panchayat, had voluntarily joined a team of forest officials on Tuesday to help douse the flames in Garn forest. According to officials, Aziz displayed remarkable courage and selflessness by actively participating in the firefighting efforts, despite the challenging terrain and growing danger.
By late evening, much of the fire had been brought under control. However, Aziz ventured deeper into the forest to assess the situation. Strong gusts of wind suddenly reignited the flames, and he found himself trapped amid the blaze.
Efforts were made to rescue him, but the flames spread rapidly, leaving no time for intervention. Aziz died on the spot, his body later discovered charred at the scene.
After legal formalities were completed, his remains were handed over to his family for the last rites.
