Sadaket Ali Malik
On 14 August, when people across India were preparing for Independence Day, a sudden cloudburst hit Chasoti village in Padder, Kishtwar (J&K). Heavy rains caused flash floods that destroyed houses, broke roads, and swept away yatris and villagers. It was a night of fear, loss, and deep pain for the people of Kishtwar.
But even in this dark time, stories of courage and humanity came forward. Many brave people worked without rest to save lives. They may not be famous, but they are the unsung heroes of Chasoti. These included the Army, Police, SDRF and NDRF teams, Ababeel NGO, Tariq Memorial Trust, local youth volunteers, and civil officers like ARTO Kishtwar, Tasleem Wani. Their work gave people hope when everything else seemed lost.
The 17 Rashtriya Rifles and Kishtwar Police started rescue work immediately, even though the roads were broken and landslides were falling. Soon, more soldiers, doctors, and engineers joined them.
The Army rescued people, treated the injured, and gave food, water, and blankets. By morning, they built makeshift bridges and cleared paths with their hands and shovels. Their actions showed the Army’s promise: “No one will be left behind.”
Their help was not about big words, but small, powerful actions — giving a hungry child food, carrying an injured person across rough land, or holding someone’s hand in the dark.
While the Army gave strength, Ababeel NGO gave compassion. Started in 2015 by Adv. Hassan Babur Nehru, Ababeel has been active in every disaster in the Chenab Valley.
When Chasoti was hit, seven ambulances of Ababeel reached the area. Volunteers risked their lives to bring food, blankets, and medical help. They worked side by side with the Army, Police, SDRF, and NDRF to make sure no one was left hungry or without care.
The name “Ababeel” comes from the small birds mentioned in Islamic history who protected the Ka’ba. Just like those birds, Ababeel volunteers stood strong in Chasoti. They comforted families, rescued people, and showed that kindness has no boundaries of religion or caste.
One picture from Chasoti became very emotional for people across India. It showed Shahnawaz, an SDRF jawan, holding a small child whose parents were missing in the floods.
The disaster struck during the Machail Mata Yatra, and many children were left alone. For that child, Shahnawaz became a protector. His act was more than a rescue — it was a symbol of love and humanity.
He, and many like him in the SDRF and NDRF, worked day and night, risking their lives in floods and landslides. His story reminds us that behind every uniform is a human heart that cares.
Another hero was Tasleem Wani, ARTO Kishtwar. Since the day of the cloudburst, he worked nonstop to make sure pilgrims and travelers were safe. He personally guided them, arranged transport, and ensured they reached home.
One photo showed him sitting by the roadside, eating a simple meal after long hours of work. That picture reflected his spirit — leadership is not about power, but about being with the people in their hardest times.
What made the Chasoti rescue special was the way everyone came together. The Army, Police, SDRF, NDRF, NGOs like Ababeel, officers like Tasleem Wani, health workers, and local youth — all stood side by side.
No one asked about religion or background. The only question was: “Who needs help?” From soldiers building bridges to villagers digging with bare hands, every act added to the spirit of hope.
The Chasoti cloudburst will always be remembered for the destruction it caused. But it should be remembered for the heroes. |
