Rescuer and "Diver" Abdul Salaam Dar: A Lifelong Mission to Save Lives in Kashmir's Waters

 

Abdul Salaam Dar, a 69-year-old fisherman from Lelhar Kakapora, a village along Kashmir's Jhelum River, has spent much of his life casting nets in the river's waters. However, for the past three decades, he has also become a lifeline for countless individuals, pulling both living and deceased people from the waters of the valley. His work has earned him the respect of many, earning him the nickname "Dungal" or "Diver."

Dar's dedication to rescuing people began in an unexpected way. Initially, he was called upon to recover lost items such as utensils, motors, and boats that had fallen into the river. But a pivotal moment came when he witnessed a man drown in front of him, unable to be saved despite the desperate attempts of bystanders. This experience had a profound effect on him and changed the course of his life.

Since then, Dar has rescued hundreds of people and retrieved the bodies of 47 individuals who had drowned, many of them victims of suicide attempts. He recalls every face, every victim, and every life he tried to save. His work has taken him to various locations across Kashmir, including Sangam, Anantnag, Bijbehara, Pampore, and Srinagar, where he is often called in when official rescue teams face challenges.

His expertise has become invaluable to local authorities, who now turn to Dar when a body is difficult to locate. One of his most memorable rescues occurred in Aharbal when a police officer dismissed him as a "weak old man" and doubted his ability. Dar's determination won out, and he successfully retrieved the body that had eluded others.

Despite the dangerous nature of his work, Dar does not use safety equipment, opting instead for his own method of operation. He relies on a rope and long wooden log, trusting in his experience and, as he believes, the will of Allah to guide him. "It feels good after I save a life or help a family to retrieve the body of their loved one," he says.

Dar is known for his sensitivity during rescues, particularly when retrieving bodies of women. While rescuing men, he holds them firmly against his chest, but for women, he respectfully grabs only their hair, maintaining a respectful distance from their bodies.

One of his most remarkable feats occurred when a girl who had drowned in Sopore was missing for eight days. Dar located her body 40 miles away in Uri, near the Pakistani border. In another instance, when three boys drowned, local authorities struggled to recover the bodies. After the navy was called in, it was Dar who found two bodies in just 10 minutes, helping the officials recover the third one.

During the devastating floods in Kashmir in 2014, Dar was at the forefront of rescue efforts, saving over 100 lives. Despite numerous offers of money and rewards for his selfless work, Dar refuses to accept compensation. He believes that accepting such gifts would tarnish the memory of those who have lost their lives. "I can’t do that," he says, "It’s like selling the souls of dead bodies."

For Dar, his mission is about far more than just saving lives—it’s about helping families find closure, no matter the circumstances. His work continues to be a beacon of hope in a region often battered by natural disasters and human suffering.