THE recent incident in Battagram`s Allai tehsil in which eight passengers were rescued after a chairlift malfunction (Aug 22) brought to mind my personal experience related to 2006 when I was stationed in Allai in the aftermath of the 2005 devastating earthquake. My assignment included relief, rehabilitation and rescue operations, giving me a firsthand glimpse into the challenges faced by the resilient people of the region.

In July that year, my team embarked on an assessment mission to a remote village in Allai. Little did I know that this journey would become a defining moment in my life. While navigating the rugged terrain, I slipped off a cliff, plummeting nearly a 100 feet downwards. In that heart-stopping instant, time seemed to have slowed down.

Miraculously, the locals swiftly organised a rescue operation. They tied me to a makeshift stretcher and carefully manoeuvred me back to my official car, parked miles away on a treacherous path.

This path, a mere bridleway, was the lifeline for the local villagers that they usedfor transportingtheirgoods and, in this instance, an injured individual.The dedication and unity of the locals were awe-inspiring. In the aftermath of the accident, as Ilay on the stretcher,I thought about the fragility of life and the strength of the human spirit.

Initially fearing a broken back due to the fall, relief flooded over me when I realised I could move my limbs. This marked the beginning of my journey to recovery.

The nearest field hospital operated by an international NGO was my next destination. The path was treacherous, a three-hour ordeal on a rain-drenched track prone to landslides. The locals, who accompanied us, displayed unwavering determination, clearing the way as rocks and debris threatened to impede our progress. The lack of proper medical facilities and the arduous journey highlighted the harsh realities of life in Allai.

My time in that field hospital, devoid of an X-ray machine, showcased the dire needfor better healthcareinfrastructure. An emergency helicopter evacuation was considered, but adverse weather conditions rendered it impossible. I had to endure a night of uncertainty, receiving minimal first aid, eagerly awaiting a clearer dawn to be transferred to Battagram hospital for necessary medical attention.

This personal ordeal brought to light the challenges faced daily by the people of Allai and Battagram. Basic healthcare is a luxury, with timely access to hospitals remaining a distant dream. In such circumstances, self-medication and reliance on untrained practitioners become the only options, often resulting in tragic consequences.

The recent incident of schoolchildren getting trapped in a cable car further underscores the grim reality of a region where even basic education comes at an agonising cost.

The plight of the local people extends beyond health and education; it encompasses their rights to essential services, lil(e communication and transport infrastructure as well. The lack of adequate roads, reliable communication networks, and accessible schools exacerbates their challenges, leaving them in a constant struggle for a better life.

As I reflect on these experiences, I cannot help but wonder why, even after 16 years, so little has changed.

The whole point of sharing this personal experience is to illuminate the plight not only of the people in Allai and Battagram, but also of those in numerous similar remote regions across the country. It is a call for action, a plea to prioritise the lives and wellbeing of those living in remote regions.

A positive change is long overdue, and it is high time that basic rights and essential facilities became a reality.

Mian Muhammad Junaid Jakarta, Indonesia