Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, November 3:
Leader of Opposition in Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Sunil Sharma, today led a major initiative to rebuild Chishoti village in Kishtwar district — an area that was completely devastated by a deadly cloudburst a on August 14 hit a Machail Matta Yatra langer, homes and parking place claiming lives of over 100 people and injuring more then 150 people. The foundation stone for the reconstruction of houses for affected families was laid in the presence of Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, marking a moment of renewed hope and resilience for the displaced families.
The tragic cloudburst of August 14, 2025, unleashed torrential rains and flash floods that swept away the Yatra langar site, several residential houses, and the adjoining vehicle parking area, leaving a scene of unimaginable destruction. Over a dozen people lost their lives, while several others went missing — later declared dead after exhaustive search and rescue operations. The incident turned the serene hamlet of Chishoti into debris within minutes, erasing livelihoods and displacing entire families who had gathered there for the annual Yatra services.
The Chishoti tragedy was part of the larger wave of unprecedented August rains and floods that wreaked havoc across Jammu & Kashmir, especially in Kishtwar, Doda, and Ramban districts. The relentless downpour caused multiple landslides, damaged power and road infrastructure, and disrupted communication lines, prompting a large-scale rescue and relief effort by the civil administration, NDRF, and local volunteers.
Today’s reconstruction initiative thus represents much more than physical rebuilding — it is a symbol of collective resilience, compassion, and the government’s unwavering resolve to restore normalcy and dignity to the affected population.
The project at Chishoti is being implemented under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Home Minister Amit Shah, whose compassionate governance has prioritized rehabilitation and disaster recovery across the nation. The dedicated supervision of Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ensured that these commitments are effectively realized on the ground in Jammu & Kashmir.
Sunil Sharma was accompanied by MLA Kishtwar Shagun Parihar and senior officers of the administration, who collectively reviewed the progress and framework of the rehabilitation plan. Their presence reflected a strong commitment to ensuring that the reconstruction work is carried out with transparency, speed, and care.
Addressing the gathering, Sunil Sharma said,
“Rebuilding Chishoti is not merely an act of construction but a mission of compassion and determination. It is about restoring dignity, rebuilding trust, and renewing faith in governance that puts people first. Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and HM Amit Shah, and with the tireless efforts of LG Manoj Sinha, this initiative reflects a government that feels the pain of its people and acts decisively to heal it.”
He lauded the Hon’ble LG for his sincere and coordinated efforts to translate the Central Government’s vision into tangible results for the affected population. The LoP also acknowledged the role of local officers and engineers who have worked relentlessly to bring relief and hope to the victims of the tragedy.
While interacting with the affected families, Sharma reaffirmed that the BJP stands shoulder to shoulder with every citizen affected by natural calamities. He emphasized that under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and HM Amit Shah, Jammu & Kashmir is moving toward an era of inclusive development, resilience, and human-centered progress.
“Chishoti’s reconstruction is not just about rebuilding houses — it is about rebuilding hearts, restoring faith, and reaffirming that in every tragedy, the nation stands united with its people,” Sharma said.
