6 labourers from Ganderbal’s Kangan feared dead in Himachal landslide

Ganderbal, Sep 4: Atleast six persons are feared dead after being trapped when a landslide struck their rented accommodation in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh on Thursday morning. The missing persons , all of whom are labourers originally hailing from Tulail area of Gurez but presently residing in Kangan area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district had travelled to the hill state to earn their livelihood and were asleep when the sudden slide buried the structure.

Officials said incessant rains had triggered the mudslide which swept through the private accommodation, leaving no time for escape. They said atleast 12 persons were trapped and out of which six persons from Kashmir are also trapped.

A labourer from Ganderbal district, who is also working in the same area in Kullu said that there were seven people living in the rented accommodation when the landslide hit them leaving six of them trapped while one was rescued injured. They urged the government of Jammu and Kashmir to make necessary arrangements for their return back home. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said a landslide in Kullu led to the collapse of two houses, leaving around 12–13 persons feared trapped.

“An NDRF team carried out collapsed structure search and rescue (CSSR) operations, during which three injured persons were rescued and one body was recovered. Search and rescue operations are continuing to trace the remaining trapped victims,” the NDRF posted on X.

The deceased were identified as Abdul Rashid Sheikh, 45, son of Jamal Sheikh, originally from Sardaab Tulail (Bandipora), at present residing in Kijpara, Kangan (Ganderbal), Sajad Ahmad Wani, 35, son of Abdul Ahad, originally from Sardaab Tulail (Bandipora), at present Ari Goripora, Kangan (Ganderbal), Mehraj-ud-Din Lone, 28, son of Mohammad Sabir, originally from Sardaab Tulail (Bandipora), at present Ari Goripora, Kangan (Ganderbal), Gulzar Ahmad Lone, 48, son of Ghulam Mohammad, originally from Sardaab Tulail (Bandipora), at present Babanagri, Kangan (Ganderbal), Mohammad Hussain Lone, 42, son of Mohammad Sultan, originally from Sardaab Tulail (Bandipora), at present Gounchi Mohalla Akhal, Kangan (Ganderbal), and Tariq Ahmad Sheikh, 29, son of Bashir Ahmad, originally from Sardaab Tulail (Bandipora), at present Sardaab Tulail, Bandipora.

A family member of one of the missing labourer Abdul Rashid Sheikh, a resident of Tulail Gurez but presently residing in Kijpora Kangan here told Greater Kashmir that they had gone to Himachal for work to earn livelihood, adding that Sheikh had gone there four months ago . He said that the missing person is survived by four children.

“ They went to Himachal because there was little work here. Now their families are devastated. Children have lost fathers, wives have lost husbands, and parents have lost sons,” said a relative of another missing person from Akhal Kangan. Manzoor Ahmad, a local resident of Kangan said that the government should communicate with the administration in Kullu Himachal and make efforts so that the missing persons are traced and brought home.

Sub Divisional Magistrate Kangan, Dr Nazir Ahmad said the Ganderbal administration has taken up the matter with the Himachal administration and are in constant touch . “ The DC Ganderbal has contacted the administration where the incident has happened in Kullu Himachal and are in constant touch, as of now the rescue operation is going on and any further details shall be shared when available “ SDM told Greater Kashmir.

MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali has also raised the matter with the Member of Parliament Syed Aga Ruhulla and urged him to take up with the Central and Himachal Government. Mian Mehar sought expedite in rescue operation so that the missing labourers are traced. He also urged the Government to take necessary steps for the return of all stranded labourers back home.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed grief over the unfortunate landslide incident in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, in which a resident of J&K has lost his life, and many others are feared trapped. “The landslide incident in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, is unfortunate and saddening. A resident of J&K has lost his life, and many others are feared trapped under the debris. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family, and I pray for the safety and well-being of others,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

In a post on X, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister office expressed grief over the loss of lives in Kullu and assured all possible assistance is being extended. In his condolence message, he said the tragic loss of lives has cast a shadow of grief across the Valley. The Chief Minister’s Office confirmed that it is in touch with the local administration in Kullu and all possible assistance is being extended to the affected families. “This is a heartbreaking incident. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The government will ensure every possible help,” Omar Abdullah said.

Meanwhile, People’s Democratic Front (PDF) President and former minister Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen on Thursday expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength to bear this irreparable loss.