Jammu and Kashmir: Four nomads die in Bahlna forests after pine tree falls on their tent

Four members of a ‘Bakarwal’ (nomadic ethnic group) family were killed after high-speed winds and heavy rain uprooted a pine tree that fell on their makeshift tent in Bahlna forest in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district.

The incident occurred on Wednesday night in the Keshwan forest belt, the police said.

“A pine tree fell on a tent pitched by the nomadic family in the forest belt. In this tragic incident, four family members lost their lives early today,” Senior Superintendent of Police, Kishtwar, Khalil Poswal, told news agency PTI.

“A rescue operation is currently underway to address the aftermath of this unfortunate event,” he added.

An official confirmed that tragic deaths were likely caused by a massive tree collapsing onto the family’s dwelling.

According to the police, the family was going towards Dachan with a herd of cattle and had halted in Bhalna forest due to heavy rain.

Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, Devansh Yadav, said four people, including three women, died on the spot.

“A police team immediately rushed to the spot and started a rescue operation,” Yadav said, adding the bodies are being taken to a hospital for legal formalities.

The deceased have been identified as Nazir Ahmed (55), his wife Anwar Begum (42), Shama Begum (26) and Shakeel Banoo (17) — all residents of Kathua district.

According to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, an immediate relief of Rs 50,000 was provided to the family from the Red Cross Society.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community, as they mourn the untimely loss of their loved ones.