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Missing Pakistani woman trapped in Himachal shelter home due to ignorance of Govt.
SHIMLA – Umang Foundation, a public welfare trust, has urged the Government of Himachal Pradesh to immediately inquire about a Muslim woman lodged in Nari Sewa Sadan, Mashobra since August last, who claims herself to be a Pakistani. Mahammada (45) says that she is from Mohalla Noorana, District Gujarat of Pakistan. But the Directorate of Women and Child Welfare of Himachal Pradesh which run the Shelter Home did not bother to verify the address as told by the woman.
Ajai Srivastava, a human rights activist and chairman of Umang Foundation, who had filed a PIL in the High Court of Himachal Pradesh in January this year to save the innocent mentally sick inmates of State run Shelter from gross violation of human rights, while addressing a press conference here today disclosed the story of Mahammada. He said that he visited the Shelter Home two days ago with Ms. Jyoti Gutam and Rhythm Goswami, both young volunteers of the Foundation to inquire about the well-being of the all the 34 inmates. There are a number of innocent women lodged in the Shelter Home who gives clues about their native places and kith and kin.
Mahammada was brought to the Shelter Home by the Police from Kasauli by the order of an executive magistrate. The Director of Women and Child Development stated that she belonged to Gujarat State of India.
When Ajai Srivastava communicated with Mahammada, she said told that she was from Gujarat. But he felt that her language and accent was not that of Gujarati people. When he asked about her mother tongue, she said it was neither Gujarati. In the record of the Shelter Home, her name has been entered as “Mamta alias Mahammada, w/o Rajaah, Mohalla Noorana, Gujarat.” She was admitted to the Home on 10th August, 2015 on the orders of the Director when she was presented before him by the police.
As per Police record, she was found in a rain shelter near Kasauli on 7th August, 2015 and Police brought her to the Director of Women and Child Development in Shimla on 10th August who sent her to the Shelter Home. But no one knew the Pakistani connection of this innocent woman.
When Ajai Srivastava asked her whether she was from the Gujarat State of India or the District Gujarat of Pakistan, she immediately smiled and gave a stunning reply, “Zila Gujarat, Pakistan. Main Pakistani hun Hindustani nahin. (I am a Pakastani, not Hindustani)”.
She repeatedly said that she was a Pakistani. She also said that she was married to one Mr. Rajjak when she was 20 and her nikah was performed in District Gujarat of Pakistan. On a question, she said, “Mere do bachche hain (I have two kids) – Raul (14) and Jamila(16) who live with her father in Bihar.” But she could not explain that how her husband lives in Bihar when she was married in Pakistan.
Mahammada says, “I don’t remember how I came to the hills. Police brought me to this Home.” She repeatedly said that she wanted to go to her home in Pakistan. Unfortunately the Directorate of Women and Child Development did nothing in the last two and half months to trace her roots. She offers namaz and says, I am a Muslim. But I don’t know why people call me by a new name Mamta? Srivastava also emphasized on the proper mental health check-up and counselling of the woman to enable her to reveal more about her background.
Interestingly, in its judgment dated 4th June, 2015, on Srivastava’s PIL on gross violation of human rights at Nari Sewa Sadan, the Division Bench of High Court comprising Justices Rajiv Sharma and Tarlok Singh Chauhan had categorically ordered the government that “efforts be made to find out the next kith and kin of inmates by constituting a committee by the Superintendent of Police, Shimla within a period of two weeks from today.” The committee was constituted but no serious efforts are visible by the government to trace the roots of the inmates, he alleged.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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