SRINAGAR, SEPT 05: The landslide tragedy in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district deepened on Friday as rescue teams recovered three more bodies from the debris, raising the death toll to four. Several Kashmiri labourers, primarily from Kangan in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, remain missing and feared trapped.
According to reports, nearly 30 labourers from Tulail (Gurez), Kangan, and other parts of Kashmir had migrated to Himachal Pradesh in search of work. For the past two weeks, they have been caught in worsening weather conditions—battling relentless rain, landslides, and road blockades that have cut off access to safety and supplies.
“We are stuck here without our families. On one side, there’s water; on the other, broken roads. Where can we go? We appeal to the Jammu and Kashmir government to rescue us,” said Riyaz Ahmed Lone, a stranded worker.
Another survivor, Nasir Ahmad Khan, described their dire conditions after evacuating their rented quarters due to the landslide.
“Those with relatives here took shelter, but many of us are left with nothing but prayers. If something happens to us, who will even know?” he said.
The danger, survivors say, is far from over. “Just yesterday, a huge chunk of land collapsed near our shelter. We live in fear. Death is certain for everyone, but at least if we’re home, our families can see our faces one last time,” said Fareed Ahmad, another worker.
Rescue teams are still working at the site. Preliminary reports suggest that some of the bodies recovered may belong to Kashmiri labourers, possibly from Kangan, though official identification is still awaited. Back in Kashmir, families of the missing workers are devastated. They have urged both the Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh governments to speed up rescue efforts and arrange for the airlifting of the deceased.
“We want the bodies brought home quickly so we can perform the last rites,” said Mohammad Gulzar Ahmad, a relative of one of the victims. Abdul Satar Sheikh, another local resident from Kangan, appealed for financial support for the grieving families.
“These families are extremely poor. We request the government to provide compensation and assistance during this tragedy,” he said. The landslide, which struck the Kullu region on Thursday, has claimed lives, displaced dozens, and left several Kashmiri workers missing. As rescue operations continue, families in the Valley wait in anguish, hoping for swift action and closure.
