Raja Syed Rather
Kangan, Sep 6: Grief and mourning engulfed Central Kashmir’s Kangan on Saturday as the bodies of three local labourers, who were killed in a devastating landslide in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, were airlifted and brought back to their native villages.
Pertinently, at least eight persons including six Kashmiris were killed in a landslide incident at Inner Akhara Bazar in Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh two days ago.
The deceased have been identified as Abdul Rashid Sheikh, son of Mohammad Jamal Sheikh of Kijpora Kangan, Mehraj-ud-Din Lone, son of Mohammad Sabir of Gundari Kangan and Sajjad Ahmad Wani, son of Abdul Ahad Wani of Gundari Kangan.
Emotional scenes were witnessed as the coffins arrived in Kijpora and Ari Guripora Kangan. Thousands of people joined the funeral prayers, with heart-wrenching cries echoing through the villages.
The locals carried the coffins through the narrow lanes before the victims were laid to rest.
MLA Gurez Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali, SDM Kangan Nazir Ahmad, and Tehsildar Kangan Mubashir Amin expressed solidarity with the families and took part in the last rites.
Shabir, a resident of Ari, said, “We sent them to earn a livelihood, but they returned in coffins. Our hearts are shattered.”
Political leaders across Jammu and Kashmir expressed their condolences.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah termed the tragedy heart-wrenching, while Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha described the incident as “unfortunate and saddening,” extending condolences to the bereaved families and praying for the safety of those still missing.
MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali said he had spoken to one of the injured labourers and assured the victims’ families of all possible support. He also confirmed that MP Central Kashmir Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi had been approached to take up the matter for timely assistance.
Officials confirmed that while the bodies of three victims have been handed over to their families, at least three more labourers from Kangan remain trapped under the debris in Kullu. Their bodies are expected to reach their native villages once recovered.
Rescue operations in Kullu is ongoing on a war footing as anxious families in Kashmir wait for news of their loved ones.
