At least seven residents from Kashmir are feared dead after a massive landslide hit Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, officials said on Thursday.
Seven Kashmiri labourers from Tulail, Bandipora were killed today when a mudslide struck their rented accommodation in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, an official said.
The men had travelled to the hill state to earn their livelihood and were asleep when the sudden slide buried the structure.
Six deceased were identified as Abdul Rashid Sheikh, 45, son of Jamal Sheikh, originally from Sardaab Tulail (Bandipora), at present residing in Kijpara, Kangan (Ganderbal), Sajad Ahmad Wani, 35, son of Abdul Ahad, originally from Sardaab Tulail (Bandipora), at present Ari Goripora, Kangan (Ganderbal), Mehraj-ud-Din Lone, 28, son of Mohammad Sabir, originally from Sardaab Tulail (Bandipora), at present Ari Goripora, Kangan (Ganderbal), Gulzar Ahmad Lone, 48, son of Ghulam Mohammad, originally from Sardaab Tulail (Bandipora), at present Babanagri, Kangan (Ganderbal), Mohammad Hussain Lone, 42, son of Mohammad Sultan, originally from Sardaab Tulail (Bandipora), at present Gounchi Mohalla Akhal, Kangan (Ganderbal), and Tariq Ahmad Sheikh, 29, son of Bashir Ahmad, originally from Sardaab Tulail (Bandipora), at present Sardaab Tulail, Bandipora.
Officials said incessant rains had triggered the mudslide which swept through the private accommodation, leaving no time for escape.
Rescue teams later retrieved the bodies after hours of operations.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said a landslide in Kullu led to the collapse of two houses, leaving around 12–13 persons feared trapped.
“An NDRF team carried out collapsed structure search and rescue (CSSR) operations, during which three injured persons were rescued and one body was recovered. Search and rescue operations are continuing to trace the remaining trapped victims,” the NDRF posted on X.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the unfortunate landslide incident in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, in which a resident of J&K has lost his life, and many others are feared trapped.
"The landslide incident in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, is unfortunate and saddening. A resident of J&K has lost his life, and many others are feared trapped under the debris. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family, and I pray for the safety and well-being of others," the Lieutenant Governor said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
In his condolence message, he said the tragic loss of lives has cast a shadow of grief across the Valley.
The Chief Minister’s Office said that it was in touch with the local administration in Kullu and all possible assistance is being extended to the affected families.
“This is a heartbreaking incident. My deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. The government will ensure every possible help,” Omar said.
The death of seven labourers has once again brought into sharp focus the harsh realities faced by thousands of Kashmiris working outside the Valley.
For decades, men from remote villages of Kashmir have travelled to Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Delhi in search of work, but their lives remain fraught with uncertainty, poor wages and lack of protection.
Most of these men worked in construction and seasonal labour in Himachal Pradesh, staying in basic rented rooms. With no contracts, social security or insurance cover, they were exposed to both economic and environmental risks. Relatives say each of them was the sole breadwinner of his family.