Kishtwar snowfall rescue operation after vehicles stranded at Sinthan and Margan passes

More than 30 light motor vehicles were stranded after fresh snowfall at Sinthan Top and Margan Top in Kishtwar district, disrupting the road link between Jammu and Anantnag. Police, the Army, and civil administration launched a joint rescue and snow clearance operation. All passengers were reported safe, and travel advisories remain in place.

Moderate snowfall left more than 30 light motor vehicles stuck at Sinthan top and Margan top in Kishtwar district on Sunday, officials said. Slippery road conditions blocked movement on the high-altitude passes. The disruption affected the road link between Kishtwar in Jammu and south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Rescue teams moved in after officials received reports of stranded passengers. Personnel from police, the Army, and the civil administration reached the area and began a joint operation, officials said. The focus remained on passenger safety while vehicles were secured on the snow-hit stretch.

Sinthan-Margan road in Kishtwar blocked by snowfall

Officials said snow clearance machines were deployed from both the Kishtwar and Anantnag sides. The teams worked to clear snow and guide vehicles away from risky spots. Efforts were under way to move all stranded vehicles to safer locations, officials added.

All passengers were safe and were receiving help from the rescue teams, officials said. However, the work remained difficult due to continuous snowfall and low temperatures. Officials said these conditions slowed clearing activity and raised risks on the steep, high-altitude route.

Authorities advised commuters to avoid travel on the Sinthan-Margan stretch until weather conditions improve. Officials said travel should resume only after the route is declared safe for movement. The advisory aimed to prevent more vehicles from getting stuck on the same section.

Mughal road traffic suspended due to snowfall

Separately, officials said traffic on the Mughal road was suspended on Sunday evening. Fresh snowfall at Pir Ki Gali and nearby areas led to the stoppage. The road connects the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu with south Kashmir’s Shopian district.

With inputs from PTI