Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and MP Raju Bista And Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari Visit Landslide-Hit Areas in Mirik, Assure Full Support for Affected Families

KalimNews, Mirik, October 7, 2025 : In the wake of the devastating landslides and floods that struck the region, Darjeeling Member of Parliament (MP) Raju Bista, accompanied by Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju and Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu Adhikari, visited Mirik today to extend support and express solidarity with the families affected by the disaster. The leaders met the families who have been rescued and are currently staying in temporary shelters in Thurbo, located at the 9th Mile in Mirik. A total of 22 individuals from 6 families are being sheltered in this location.

Bista, deeply moved by the scale of the devastation, expressed his heartfelt sympathy for the affected families. “It is heartbreaking to see so many families impacted by the landslides,” Bista said, adding that the affected people had been assured of every possible form of assistance to help them during this challenging period. He also highlighted the community spirit and unity shown by the local population, noting that people from all corners of the region had come together to help the victims of the disaster. "In times of need, the people from across our region have united to help the victims. I am most grateful for the kindness, generosity, and helpfulness of our people,” Bista remarked.

During the visit, Bista, Adhikari and Rijiju also took the opportunity to express their appreciation to the medical staff and volunteers who have been working tirelessly to assist the victims. In an emotional tribute to those who lost their lives in the landslides and floods, the leaders participated in a tree-planting ceremony at the Mirik Alay Ground, under the auspices of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) 8th Battalion, D Company.

The visit also involved a review of the ongoing rescue and relief operations led by the SSB and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Senior officers from both the SSB and NDRF, including Inspector General Vandan Saxena and V.N. Parashar, the Second-in-Command of NDRF, were present during the discussions. Together, they underscored the importance of coordination between various agencies, including the local communities, police, and administration, in disaster management and response efforts, particularly in the challenging hilly and border areas.

The delegation also made a stop at a temporary shelter home set up at Soureni for the families who lost their homes in the recent landslides. Eighteen families are currently taking refuge at the community center after their homes were washed away or severely damaged. “We stand by these families in these difficult times and have assured them that all possible support will be extended to help rebuild their homes in due course of time,” Bista affirmed.

In a show of unity, the visit underscored the solidarity among various political parties and social organizations. “One of the most heartening and endearing facts is that, in our hills, people have risen above party lines. People from all political parties and social organizations have stood shoulder to shoulder to provide support to the landslide victims. This is most encouraging,” Bista said.

The delegation also visited the landslide-affected area at Soureni Dhargaon in Toklang, one of the worst-hit locations in the recent disaster. The tragic landslide has claimed the lives of four individuals, while five others sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment. Several houses in the area have either been completely washed away or severely damaged, leaving many families displaced and in urgent need of assistance.

A formal and comprehensive report on the situation will be submitted to the Central Government following these visits. Both Bista and Rijiju assured the local communities that the Central Government is fully committed to providing all necessary support for the rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts. "We have been assured of full support by the Central Government towards rebuilding lives destroyed by these landslides and floods," Bista concluded.