A 40-year-old man lost his life, while another sustained injury after a sand mound collapsed on them in Shanoo village in Langate area of north Kashmir’s Handwara town on Monday. This unfortunate incident marks the second fatality in two years and has left three other individuals seriously injured.
Eyewitnesses from the local area reported that the incident occurred while they were engaged in sand excavation from the hills of Shanoo. Both individuals were swiftly taken to a nearby hospital, where Abdul Hamid Shikeh (42) was pronounced dead by doctors. The injured individual, Shabir Ahmad Shiekh (40), is now undergoing advanced treatment at GMC Baramulla.
Locals mentioned, “This isn’t the first time such an incident has taken place in the area. They have reported four separate incidents since illegal sand excavation activities commenced, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and the severe injury of three others, one of whom is now bedridden.”
The locals have accused the Geology and Mining Department, along with other relevant authorities, of complicity with the sand mafia, claiming that repeated raids have failed to completely curb these illicit operations. These unregulated activities not only risk lives but also harm the fragile ecological balance.
Residents of Shanoo have expressed their deep dissatisfaction with the authorities for permitting a few individuals to excavate sand from the heights of Shanoo, a practice they believe jeopardizes both precious lives and the environment. They are demanding a comprehensive ban on sand excavation from this picturesque area.
A police officer confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation is underway. The deceased’s body has been handed over to legal heirs for final rites.
An official from the Mining and Geology department informed Rising Kashmir that action has been taken against those involved in the illegal activity, and several vehicles have been seized in the area already .
