Drass River Tragedy: Multi-Agency Search enters 7th Day as rescue teams intensify efforts

> Al Mehdi Scouts, Security Forces continue search for missing Persons

KARGIL: The multi-agency search and rescue operation launched after a vehicle plunged into the Drass River on June 23 continued on Monday, with volunteers of Al Mehdi Scouts working alongside rescue agencies, the Indian Army, police and local residents to trace the remaining missing persons.

According to a statement issued by Jamiat-ul-Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil-Ladakh, the operation began at around 11:30 a.m. on June 23 and has continued uninterrupted despite difficult weather conditions and challenging terrain. Rescue teams have so far recovered one deceased individual, while efforts remain focused on locating the remaining missing persons.

The organisation said volunteers of Al Mehdi Scouts have remained engaged in the operation since its inception, assisting rescue agencies in coordinated search efforts across the affected area.

The operation is being carried out in coordination with the Union Territory Rescue and Disaster Force (UTRDF), Drass Police, Dar-ul-Tableegh Drass, Baseej-e-Baqiyatullah, Baseej-e-Imam, the Indian Army and local residents.

The statement also highlighted the continued participation of volunteers from Baseej-e-Baqiyatullah, who remained involved in the rescue mission throughout the observance of Muharram, including the 9th of Muharram and Ashura, while continuing search operations.

It further stated that Dar-ul-Tableegh Drass arranged food and accommodation for more than 300 volunteers who travelled from Kargil to participate in the rescue operation.

The ongoing mission has also been reinforced by the participation of professional swimmer and social activist Hamza Sheikh from the Chenab Valley. According to the statement, Sheikh has been assisting rescue teams by drawing on his experience in water-based rescue operations while working alongside personnel and volunteers under demanding conditions.

Jamiat-ul-Ulama Isna Asharia Kargil-Ladakh expressed appreciation for the efforts of rescue personnel, volunteers, security forces, humanitarian organisations and local residents involved in the operation. The organisation also conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and said it would continue supporting the rescue mission until every possible effort has been exhausted and all missing persons are accounted for.