Chisoti (J-K): Additional Director General of CISF, Sudhir Kumar, on Monday visited the cloudburst-affected village of Chisoti in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, to oversee rescue operations and praised his personnel for their life-saving efforts.
He stated that three CISF personnel lost their lives and another remains missing following the natural disaster that struck the village on August 14. So far, 61 bodies—including the three CISF members—have been recovered, while over 100 people were rescued with injuries. More than 50 individuals are still reported missing.
“We had deployed 25 personnel in the village to provide security for pilgrims visiting the Machail Mata shrine when the tragedy occurred. One of our barracks was also affected. The jawans told me that the cloudburst lasted only 18 seconds but swept down the hill, burying everything in its path,” ADG Kumar told reporters.
In addition to the three personnel who died, another, identified as Mura, is still missing.
“When some of our personnel managed to escape the initial impact, they immediately rescued numerous women and children from the debris and transported them to hospitals in private vehicles. They were the first responders to the calamity,” he added.
The ADG said that one-and-a-half company strength—around 150 personnel—were rushed from Kishtwar and Dul Hasti power project locations to support civil authorities and other agencies in the rescue efforts.
Regarding the status of the jawans’ weapons, he said most are intact. “While stock verification is challenging, once completed, any gaps will be addressed.”
“CISF is always prepared to face any challenge. Our personnel responded professionally, demonstrating their training, dedication, and determination,” he noted.
On the ongoing rescue operation, Kumar said, “Plans are in place for blasting to reach as deep as possible. Around 20–22 JCBs are working on the ground on a war footing.”
