President, PM salute bravery, determination & endurance

NEW DELHI: As the 17-day ordeal of 41 trapped workers ended on Tuesday, President Droupadi Murmu and PM Modi hailed their safe evacuation and said the patience and courage shown by them and their family members was an inspiration for all.

"I feel relieved and happy to learn that all the workers trapped in a tunnel have been rescued. Their travails over 17 days, as the rescue effort met with obstacles, have been a testament of human endurance," Murmu said.

The PM, who monitored the rescue operations continuously and deputed key officials, including his principal secretary P K Mishra, to the site, said, "The success of the rescue operation of our labour brothers in Uttarkashi is making everyone emotional. I want to say to the friends who were trapped in the tunnel that your courage and patience is inspiring everyone. I wish you all well and good health."

Modi said it was a matter of great satisfaction that after a long wait, these "friends of ours" will now meet their loved ones. "The patience and courage that all these families have shown in this challenging time cannot be appreciated enough," he added.

Modi saluted the spirit of all the people associated with the rescue operation. "Their bravery and determination have given new life to our brothers. Everyone involved in this mission has set an amazing example of humanity and teamwork," he said.