Aug 18, 2025: Army soldiers have taken on the role of saviors as nature unleashed its fury in the form of cloudbursts in the rugged terrain of the Kishtwar and Kathua districts, where they frequently encounter terrorists.

Pakistani terrorists have used the forest areas of these two districts as a haven for quite some time. They hide out in natural caves and crevices in the mountains and frequently engage in gunfights with security personnel. While the White Knight Corps is in charge of operations in Kishtwar district, the Rising Star Corps is in charge of Kathua.

When tragedy struck Chosoti village in Kishtwar on August 14, Army personnel were among the first responders. They entered the village and began searching for survivors, despite the difficult conditions. An extensive search and rescue operation was launched by the Army in conjunction with the civil administration, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The majority of the victims were devotees traveling to the Machail Mata shrine in the district's upper reaches. “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.

The Army rescue teams carried out immediate first aid and evacuated survivors to safer locations with specialist equipment, vehicles, and medical personnel. On the spot, blankets, food, water for drinking, and emergency medical care were also provided. Additionally, Army engineering teams were deployed to clear blocked routes, ensuring uninterrupted relief operations in the village.

Army engineers have begun building a bridge across a nullah in Chosoti village to restore crucial connectivity. This will support the delivery of assistance in close collaboration with civil agencies and expedite evacuation efforts. On Sunday, a similar circumstance occurred in Kathua when a cloudburst struck Jodh village, which is primarily populated by the Gujjar community.

Flashfloods brought on by the cloudburst caused the hamlet to be cut off, resulting in the deaths of five community members. Army columns launched rescue operations in close collaboration with the civil administration and the J&K Police in response to a request from the district administration. Food and medical assistance were provided to the injured, and several families were evacuated. During the Kishtwar tragedy, the efforts of the non-governmental organization "Ababeel" have also received widespread praise. Volunteers from all over the Chenab Valley rushed to Chosoti village, where they fed locals and pilgrims who were waiting for news about their loved ones who had gone missing. Additionally, the volunteers provided minor injuries with first aid.