Una youth among avalanche victims in Uttarakhand, was to visit Himachal soon for sister’s wedding

KANGRA: The avalanche in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district has claimed the life of a young man from Himachal Pradesh’s Una district.

The deceased, identified as Harmesh, a resident of Kuthar Khurd village, had recently visited home to oversee preparations for his younger sister’s upcoming wedding, which was scheduled shortly. However, fate took a cruel turn when he lost his life in the avalanche near Mana village on Saturday.

The devastating news reached the grieving family on Sunday afternoon, plunging the entire village into mourning.

Harmesh only son of his parents

Harmesh, the only son of his parents, had returned to his workplace in Uttarakhand just days ago after ensuring wedding preparations were on track. Employed as a machine operator, he had been working in Uttarakhand for the past eight to 10 months.

Harmesh’s family hails from a financially struggling background. His father Gyan Chand is a daily wage labourer and the family had just begun to see some stability after Harmesh secured his job.

However, the tragic incident has left his parents and two sisters devastated. His elder sister is already married while his younger sister’s wedding was scheduled to take place in the coming months.

Was known as a kind-hearted person

Neighbours and friends remember Harmesh as a kind-hearted person, always ready to help others. His sudden demise has left the community in shock, with his mother inconsolable upon hearing the tragic news.

His younger sister, who was eagerly waiting for her brother to return for the wedding, is also shattered by the loss.

Another Himachal resident from Kangra among victims

In a separate but equally tragic incident, Mahinder Pal (40) from Nurpur in Kangra district was also among the avalanche victims.

His body has been recovered and was being transported to his hometown. Mahinder, a motor mechanic working for a private company near the India-China border in Chamoli, had been missing since Friday.

He had last visited his family during Diwali and was planning to return home for a break in April. Local leaders, including MP Dr Rajeev Bhardwaj, former minister Rakesh Pathania and MLA Ranveer Singh Nikka, have expressed deep condolences to the grieving families.

Nurpur SDM Gursimar Singh has assured that immediate relief assistance will be provided to the victims’ families through the local administration.

Sunil Chadda