Bhubaneswar, Aug 17: Odia CISF jawan, Manoj Biswal, lost his life in the recent landslide triggered by a cloudburst in in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district, officials said on Sunday.

The incident occurred while Manoj was on temple duty at the Machail Mata shrine near Chisuti village, located atop a remote mountain peak.

Manoj hailed from Manikmara village under Parjang police station in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district. He had been deputed from Talcher TTPS to Jammu and Kashmir for the annual Machail Mata pilgrimage, which runs from July 25 to September 5. On Thursday, while performing his duty at the temple, a sudden landslide caused by heavy rains led to his disappearance. His body was recovered the following day.

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The news has plunged his native village into mourning. Manoj was the eldest son of his family and is survived by his wife and two daughters. His younger brother, Biplab Biswal, also serves in the CISF. The family currently resides in a rented house in Talcher.

The pilgrimage site, located about 90 kilometers from Kishtwar town, has been closed following the fatal incident. Authorities have suspended the yatra as a precautionary measure due to the dangerous weather conditions.

Arrangements are underway to bring Manoj’s mortal remains back to his native village for final rites. The family, devastated by the loss, received the news with deep sorrow and grief.

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