Avinash Azad/ Ajaj Ahmed
Tragedy struck the picturesque Warwan valley in Kishtwar when a truck skidded off a snow-laden road and plunged into a deep gorge early Thursday morning. The accident claimed the life of the truck’s conductor, while the injured driver was airlifted to Jammu for advanced medical treatment by authorities, with assistance from the Indian Army.
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The ill-fated truck, loaded with bricks and bearing registration number JK03K-2017, was en route from Anantnag to Warwan. The mishap occurred near Naadi Balan, approximately 6 kilometers from Margan Top, as the vehicle slipped on the icy road amidst a minor snowfall.
The conductor, 28-year-old Muzaffar Ali, son of Irshad Ahmed from Guridraman, died on the spot. The driver, 32-year-old Mumtaz, son of Mohd Ismail from Mathendu, sustained critical injuries and was initially rushed to a nearby hospital. Muzaffar Ali’s body was transported to his native village on Thursday afternoon by road, following a postmortem and completion of legal formalities by local authorities in Warwan.
Considering the severity of his condition, district authorities swiftly arranged for his evacuation to Jammu via air. Police and local rescue teams responded promptly, recovering the victims and initiating an investigation into the incident.
The dangerous road conditions and treacherous weather in the area are suspected to have played a key role in the accident. Further details are awaited as the authorities continue their probe into this tragic event.
From November to May, the remote regions of Marwah and Warwan in Kishtwar district remain cut off from the rest of the country due to heavy snowfall. This year, however, the delayed snowfall has allowed vehicles to ply even into December, though nighttime travel remains perilous.
In these challenging conditions, the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) and the Indian Army have been pillars of support, stepping up to handle emergencies and ensure the safety of residents. Their commitment is a lifeline for the people of this region, who are now reiterating their demand for a tunnel connecting Mattigabran (Anantnag) to Inshin in Warwan.
Such a tunnel would not only connect Warwan’s tehsil headquarters to the rest of the country but also improve access to Marwah, a key sub-division of Kishtwar district. One remarkable example of their dedication occurred in February 2022 when the JKP conducted a heroic rescue operation at Margan Pass.
Braving ten feet of snow, they saved six civilians trapped in harsh conditions, even spending the night amidst the extreme cold to ensure everyone’s safety. The residents of Warwan and Marwah continue to express gratitude for the tireless efforts of the JKP and Indian Army, whose selfless actions underscore the urgent need for better connectivity in this isolated region.
