Prez calls Kishtwar incident ‘extremely tragic’, PM assures assistance

Srinagar, Aug 14: President of India, Droupadi Murmu Thursday condoled the loss of lives due to the cloudburst in Kishtwar while Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his prayers with all the affected people.
The President said that news of several deaths due to a cloudburst in Kishtwar is extremely tragic.
“The news of several deaths due to a cloudburst in Kishtwar, Jammu-Kashmir, is extremely tragic. I express my heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and pray for the success of relief and rescue operations,” Murmu said.
The Prime Minister has assured all possible assistance to those in need. “My thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir. The situation is being monitored closely. Rescue and relief operations are underway. Every possible assistance will be provided to those in need,” Narendra Modi wrote on X.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed concern over the cloudburst in Kishtwar district, which triggered flash floods along the route of the Shree Machail Mata Yatra.
In a post on X, the Home Minister said he had spoken with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, affirming the central government’s commitment to providing all necessary assistance.
“The local administration is conducting relief and rescue operations. NDRF teams have promptly been rushed to the site. We are closely monitoring the situation and stand firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir through every situation. Assured of all possible assistance to the people in need,” he said.
The cloudburst struck the Chashoti area in the Padder region of Kishtwar, resulting in flash floods that have severely impacted the pilgrimage route of the Shree Machail Mata Yatra. This annual yatra, which started on July 25 and is scheduled to continue until September 5, attracts thousands of devotees to the revered Chandi Mata Mandir in Machail, Paddar Valley.
Furthermore, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh expressed pain over the loss of lives. “Deeply pained by the tragic loss of lives in the Kishtwar cloudburst, J&K. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Rajnath wrote.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has said that the rescue and relief operations at Chashoti are in full swing. “Men and machinery have been put at the site. Other teams have also been rushed and briefed by the Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Sh. Amit Shah Ji on rescue & relief Ops by various agencies. He has assured all possible assistance,” Office of J&K, LG wrote.
He also assured all the affected families. He said that the Air Force has also been alerted for evacuation, and the Government will stand shoulder to shoulder with the families in this hour of crisis.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah decided to cancel the “At Home” tea party on Friday evening. The decision has been taken in wake of the tragedy caused by cloudburst in Kishtwar.
In a post on X, Omar Abdullah wrote that they have also decided to cancel the cultural events during the Independence Day celebrations tomorrow.
“In light of the tragedy caused by the cloud burst in Kishtwar I have taken the decision to cancel the “At Home” tea party tomorrow evening. We have also decided not to go ahead with the cultural events during the morning Independence Day celebrations. The formal events – speech, march past etc will go ahead as planned,” Omar Abdullah wrote.
Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi has termed the incident as “extremely tragic” and called on the administration to expedite operations while urging Congress workers to assist on the ground.
Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Azad urged the government to ensure urgent rescue and relief.
“Deeply saddened by the cloudburst in Chositi, Kishtwar. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families & prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Urge the govt to immediately carry out rescue & relief operations &ensure all possible assistance & treatment for those affected,” Azad said.
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President, Mehbooba Mufti extended condolences to the bereaved families.
“Extremely tragic news coming from Padder, Kishtwar, where a massive cloudburst has claimed several lives. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the departed souls. May God give strength and support to those affected in this difficult time,” she wrote.
Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly and concerned MLA, Sunil Sharma said that he has spoken to the Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh to assess the situation.
“Deeply distressed to learn about the devastating cloudburst in the Chositi area of Padder, which may lead to significant loss of life.I have just spoken with LG @manojsinha_ Ji and @DrJitendraSingh Ji to assess the situation. NDRF teams and helicopters are being mobilized to the site at the earliest. Efforts are underway to evaluate the damage and coordinate rescue and medical operations. I am en route to the location to personally oversee the response and ensure that all necessary measures are taken,” Sunil Sharma wrote on X.
M Y Tarigami, CPI (M) leader and MLA Kulgam has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
Calling it a “deeply sad moment for all,” Tarigami said the tragedy, which left several dead and many injured, demands an immediate and coordinated response. “The government should announce compensation for the deceased without delay, ensure proper treatment for the injured, and expedite rescue operations,” he said.
Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman and MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone in a post on X, has extended condolences to the bereaved families.
“Bad news coming in from Kishtawar sector. There has been a cloudburst and reportedly there are some fatalities. My condolences to the bereaved families. May they rest in peace,” he wrote.
Apni Party President, Syed Altaf Bukhari expressed shock and said this is a tragedy beyond words.
“Shocked and deeply grieved by the news of at least 10 lives lost in a massive cloudburst in Chishoti village, Padder area of Kishtwar district. This is a tragedy beyond words. In this hour of unimaginable pain and sorrow, Apni Party stands in solidarity with all those who have lost their loved ones. May the Almighty grant them the strength to endure this immense loss, and may the departed souls rest in eternal peace,” Altaf Bukhari wrote. (KNO)