Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu on Sunday to personally meet the victims injured in the devastating cloudburst that struck Kishtwar. During his interaction with the patients and their families, Singh expressed his deep concern for those affected and reassured them of the government’s commitment to providing every possible form of support. He highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation and has directed the authorities to ensure that relief and medical care reach the victims without delay. Singh noted that the Prime Minister is deeply concerned about the welfare of those impacted and is keeping a constant watch on the developments in Kishtwar.
Singh shared that he had originally planned to travel to the site of the disaster in Chishoti village, Kishtwar, but was unable to do so due to adverse weather conditions and landslides blocking the route at Pathernaki. Despite being unable to reach the location physically, he stressed that his focus remained on connecting with the people of the affected area. As an alternative, he stated that he would hold meetings with local officials via videoconference from Raj Bhavan in order to coordinate relief operations more effectively. He emphasised that all efforts are being made to ensure that the victims and their families do not feel neglected in this time of crisis.
While speaking about his hospital visit, the Defence Minister said he wanted to directly meet the injured and see for himself the quality of medical care being provided. He confirmed that the victims he met expressed satisfaction with the treatment and facilities at the hospital. Singh further mentioned that the team of doctors and medical staff are working tirelessly to ensure the recovery of those undergoing treatment. Their dedication, he said, deserves praise as they continue to treat patients with care and efficiency under difficult circumstances.
Accompanying the Defence Minister during the visit were Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Union Minister Jitendra Singh. Upon his arrival at Jammu airport, Rajnath Singh was received by the Lieutenant Governor, after which he proceeded directly to the hospital. There, he met the sixteen people currently admitted and was given a detailed briefing by doctors about their health conditions and progress. His presence at the hospital served as an assurance to the victims that the government is standing firmly with them in their recovery journey.
The cloudburst that hit Chishoti village in Kishtwar on August 14 proved to be a tragic calamity for the region. It claimed the lives of 65 people, left more than 100 injured, and caused 32 others to go missing. The magnitude of the disaster has left the local community devastated, but relief efforts are continuing in full swing to search for the missing, provide medical care to the injured, and extend all possible help to affected families. The Defence Minister’s visit highlighted the seriousness with which both the central and state leadership are treating the tragedy, reaffirming the government’s resolve to stand by the people during such natural calamities.
