Two members of the Bakarwal nomadic community lost their lives, and two others were injured after a stoneslide struck their doka (temporary shelter) in Kanzalpathri, Waltangu Nard, in the upper reaches of Kulgam district on Wednesday morning.
Following the incident, locals, along with teams from the district administration, police, and SDRF, rushed to the spot. The injured were rescued and shifted to the emergency hospital in Qazigund, while the bodies of the deceased were retrieved from the debris.
Forest and Tribal Affairs Minister Javed Ahmed Rana expressed deep grief and assured full government support to the affected families.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of two Gujjar-Bakarwal nomads in a stoneslide in Kulgam. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May Allah (SWT) grant the departed the highest place in Jannat. DC Kulgam is overseeing rescue efforts; the government will ensure full support to the affected,” the minister posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan, said Kanzalpathri is about a two-and-a-half-hour uphill trek from Waltangu and housed two dokas belonging to the nomadic families.
“We received information about the incident early in the morning. SDRF, revenue, and police teams were immediately mobilised,” he said, adding that the stoneslide was triggered by falling trees.
He noted that the area had been previously hit by a major avalanche in 2005. “The nomads, originally from Marhore, had migrated here for seasonal grazing with their livestock,” the DC said.
The deceased have been identified as Mohd Shafi Bokad, son of Mehboob Bokad, and his daughter Reshmi Jan. The injured — Zakir Ahmad, son of Mohd Shafi Bokad, and Sakeena Begum, wife of Mohd Shafi Bokad — are undergoing treatment and remain in critical condition.
Hilal Ahmad, a local resident, said that gusty winds and rain lashed the Kund area of Waltangu Nard late Tuesday night. Trees uprooted by the weather may have triggered the stoneslide that struck the dokas.
“The father and daughter died on the spot. The remaining family members were injured and rushed to the hospital,” Hilal added.
MLA Devsar Peerzada Feroze Ahmad also visited the site and assured the victims of government assistance. “Waltangu Nard has seen similar tragedies in the past. Residents here have been demanding permanent huts. I will ensure these are constructed from my Constituency Development Fund. Some quarters approved after the recent avalanche are still pending, and I’ve spoken to the Tribal Minister to expedite their completion,” he said. (Sources)
