Seventh Body of Kashmiri Worker Recovered from Himachal Landslide

SRINAGAR: The seventh body of a Kashmiri worker was recovered from the debris of a landslide that struck Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh, with authorities confirming that the mortal remains will be airlifted back to Kashmir on Monday. The landslide, triggered by relentless rains, occurred in Inner Akhara Bazaar on September 4, trapping at least seven workers from Kashmir who were employed as labourers in the area.

Rescue and search operations, carried out by teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), district administration, and police, have been ongoing for several days amid challenging weather and unstable terrain. Throughout the week, the bodies of the Kashmiri victims were gradually recovered, with earlier remains already flown to Srinagar for last rites in their native villages. Kullu Deputy Commissioner Torul S Raveesh stated that arrangements were made in collaboration with both Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir governments to ensure the dignified return of the deceased to their families.

The tragedy has plunged the villages of Bandipora and Ganderbal—a region home to the victims—into mourning, with families and community leaders expressing deep anguish over the loss and appealing for stronger labour safety measures in vulnerable areas. The airlifting of the seventh body on Monday will conclude the repatriation process for the Kashmiri workers lost in this calamity.