Hindustan Shiv Sena Expressed Deep Sorrow Over The Tragic Incident of Cloud Burst in Kishtwar & kathua

Vikrant Kapoor Expressed Condolences To The Bereaved Families, Prays Speedy Recovery of The Injured

Jammu, August 17: Hindustan Shiv Sena State President Vikrant Kapoor has expressed deep sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic cloudburst at Chasoti village in Kishtwar. The disaster caused heavy loss of life and property, leaving the affected families in immense grief. Kapoor also extended his solidarity to the victims of the Kathua cloudburst, wishing a speedy recovery for those injured.

He expressed hope that the missing persons would soon be traced and demanded that the administration provide the best medical treatment to the injured and ensure adequate compensation for all affected families. “In this hour of grief, Hindustan Shiv Sena stands firmly with the victims,” Kapoor said, urging authorities to prioritize rehabilitation and relief.

As a mark of respect, Vikrant Kapoor, along with senior party leaders, observed a two-minute silence and lit candles in memory of the departed souls. He emphasized the importance of collective support to help families recover and rebuild after this devastating tragedy. At the same time, he appealed to political leaders to avoid visiting the disaster site until the situation stabilizes, as such visits may divert the administration’s focus from ongoing relief and rescue operations.

According to officials, 65 people have lost their lives so far, while around 70 persons, including children, remain missing. Most of the victims belong to Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts, with a few from Haryana and Madhya Pradesh. Among the missing is also a CISF jawan.

The calamity struck Chisoti village, the last motorable point on the route to the Machail Mata Temple, around 12:25 pm on August 14. The flash floods swept away a makeshift market, a langar site, and a security checkpoint, while also damaging 16 residential houses, government buildings, three temples, four watermills, a 30-metre bridge, and over a dozen vehicles.

In view of the tragedy, the annual Machail Mata Yatra, which was scheduled from July 25 to September 5, has been suspended. The temple, situated at 9,500 feet, is accessible via an 8.5-km trek from Chisoti, nearly 90 km from Kishtwar town. Rescue operations continue with the deployment of earthmovers, NDRF teams, specialized equipment, and dog squads.

Vikrant Kapoor also welcomed the announcement of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who assured that the government would reconstruct the houses damaged in the disaster-hit areas of Kishtwar.

Prominent Hindustan Shiv Sena leaders including Sunil, Rakesh Bhardwaj, Jeevan Sharma, Baba Ram Kaith, Abhishek, Himanshu, Amit, women wing leader Jyoti Devi, and others were present during the condolence meet.