Moradabad, Aug 9 (NationPress) Former Samajwadi Party MP, ST Hasan ignited a new controversy on Saturday regarding the recent cloudburst in Uttarkashi, asserting that other religions are not receiving adequate respect in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

In an interview with IANS, ST Hasan expressed, “We are unaware of how many individuals remain trapped beneath the rubble. This is a profoundly distressing event. A complete village has been swept away. Previously, such rainfall was unheard of in this area. What is causing these disasters? It’s high time we introspect. We have deforested excessively.”

He went on to state, “In Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, there is a lack of respect for other faiths. There is a higher power overseeing this universe, and when divine retribution occurs, no one can shield themselves. Bulldozers should not be used on any dargahs or temples. It’s preferable to evacuate these locations peacefully.”

Meanwhile, the rescue and relief operations have persisted for the fifth consecutive day in the flood-affected Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

The Indian Army, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are undertaking coordinated efforts to rescue individuals from Harsil and Dharali.

"As of 8 A.M. on Saturday, ITBP personnel have been moved to Matli," reported Uttarkashi Police on social media platform X.

"Individuals stranded in the disaster-stricken areas are being airlifted," the post indicated.

Chinook and Cheetah helicopters are airlifting stranded pilgrims to the elevated regions of Dharali and Harsil, while medical teams stationed at various sites are providing care to those affected.

The rescue team, consisting of over 800 members from the Army, ITBP, NDRF, SDRF, state government, and local administration, is actively engaged in the rescue operation, with multiple medical teams deployed in Dharali, Harsil, and Matli to offer immediate first-aid to those impacted.

The rescue teams have successfully evacuated 382 individuals from Harsil, one of the areas severely affected by the flash floods.

Two Chinook helicopters, two MI-17, and four Air Force helicopters have been mobilized to airlift people stranded in cloudburst-affected regions.

In the mudslide-hit area, 274 individuals were airlifted from Gangotri to Harsil, 19 were moved from Gangotri to Neelang, 260 from Harsil to Matli, 112 from Harsil to Jolly Grant airstrip, and 382 from Harsil.

The state Food and Supply Department is also organizing meal provisions for the displaced individuals and delivering them to the affected sites.

In Dharali, at least 50 civilians, eight soldiers, and a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) remain unaccounted for following the cloudburst that incited flash floods and landslides on August 5.

Post-cloudburst, the region is largely inaccessible, with significant road links at Bartwari, Linchigad, Gangrani, Harsil, and Dharali severely affected.

The Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police are supplying food, medical aid, and shelter to stranded tourists.