In a heartbreaking incident, Manoj Kumar Biswal, a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawan from Manikamara village in Dhenkanal district, Odisha, lost his life in a massive landslide triggered by a cloudburst in Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir.
The tragedy struck on Thursday, August 14, 2025, during the Machail Mata Yatra, where Manoj was deployed on security duty. The cloudburst-induced landslide and flash floods in Chishoti village, located 90 kilometres from Kishtwar, claimed multiple lives, including Manoj’s and another CISF jawan, with estimates of 30 to 50 fatalities reported.
Manoj, the eldest son of his family, was stationed at Talcher Thermal before being deputed to Jammu & Kashmir two months ago for the yatra. The annual pilgrimage, held at the Machail Mata temple atop a hill in Chishoti, was in full swing when the disaster occurred. The yatra, which began on July 25 and was scheduled to continue until September 5, has now been suspended due to the catastrophe. Rescue operations involving the NDRF, SDRF, Army, police, and local volunteers are underway, with Manoj’s body recovered on Saturday, August 16. His mortal remains are expected to reach his native village on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
Manoj leaves behind his wife and two daughters, who reside in a rented house in Talcher. His younger brother, Biplab Biswal, also serves in the CISF at Mundali, Odisha. The news of Manoj’s death has plunged Manikamara village and his family into deep grief, with the community awaiting his final homecoming.
Authorities are providing support to the affected families, and rescue efforts continue amidst the devastation caused by the landslide and flash floods, which swept away homes, shops, and a security post.
