From combat to compassion: Army leads rescue ops in Kishtwar, Kathua

In the rugged terrains of Kishtwar and Kathua districts, where Army soldiers are often engaged in fierce encounters with terrorists, they have now donned the role of saviours as nature unleashed its fury in the form of cloudbursts.

For some time now, the forest areas of these two districts have served as safe havens for Pakistani terrorists, who take shelter in natural caves and crevices in the mountains and are frequently involved in gunfights with security forces. While Kishtwar district falls under the operational jurisdiction of the White Knight Corps, Kathua is under the command of the Rising Star Corps.

When tragedy struck Chosoti village in Kishtwar on August 14, Army personnel were among the first responders. Braving challenging conditions, they entered the village and began searching for survivors.

The Army coordinated with the civil administration, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to launch an extensive search and rescue operation. The victims were mostly pilgrims en route to the Machail Mata shrine located in the higher reaches of the district.

“Upon receiving the information, rescue columns from the Army were immediately mobilised to the affected site. Despite the treacherous terrain, rising water levels, and debris-laden flows, troops moved with urgency to reach stranded civilians and provide lifesaving assistance,” an Army official said.

Equipped with specialist gear, vehicles, and medical personnel, the Army rescue teams evacuated survivors to safer locations and administered immediate first aid. Food, drinking water, blankets and emergency medical care were also provided on the spot. Additionally, Army engineering teams were deployed to clear blocked routes, ensuring uninterrupted relief operations in the village.

To restore vital connectivity, Army engineers have begun constructing a bridge across a nullah in Chosoti village. This will expedite evacuation efforts and support the delivery of relief in close coordination with civil agencies.

A similar situation unfolded in Kathua on Sunday when a cloudburst hit Jodh village, primarily inhabited by the Gujjar community. Five members of the community lost their lives, and the hamlet was cut off due to flashfloods triggered by the cloudburst.

Following a request from the district administration, Army columns launched rescue operations in close coordination with the civil administration and the J&K Police. Several families were evacuated, and food and medical aid were provided to the injured.

Meanwhile, the efforts of the NGO ‘Ababeel’ have also been widely appreciated during the Kishtwar tragedy. Volunteers from across the Chenab Valley rushed to Chosoti village, providing food and essential supplies to locals and pilgrims awaiting news of their missing relatives. The volunteers also administered first aid to those with minor injuries.