Chisoti (Kishtwar), August 18,2025 : In the aftermath of the devastating cloudburst in Chisoti, CISF Additional Director General Sudhir Kumar on Monday paid tribute to the extraordinary courage of his men who put their own lives at risk to save dozens trapped under debris.
The tragedy on August 14 flattened homes, a langar site, and part of a CISF barrack. Three CISF personnel lost their lives, while another jawan, Mura, remains missing. Yet, amid the chaos, many of their colleagues became the first rescuers.
“They told me the cloudburst lasted just 18 seconds, but in those few moments the hill collapsed, burying everything,” the ADG said. “Still, our men, despite the shock, ran back into danger — pulling women and children out of the rubble and rushing them to hospitals in private vehicles. Their instinct was not to flee, but to save.”
Kumar noted that one-and-a-half company strength — nearly 150 personnel — was immediately mobilised from Kishtwar and Dul Hasti to aid in the rescue. On the ground, 20–22 JCBs continue digging through massive mounds of debris, while controlled blasts are being carried out to break giant boulders obstructing the search.
Asked about the force’s armoury, Kumar said most weapons were safe and verification was underway. But he stressed that the real strength on display was not equipment — it was the courage and humanity of his men.
“CISF is trained to face challenges, but this tragedy showed something beyond training — a determination to protect others even when their own lives were in danger. That spirit is the true measure of their service,” he said.
