Aligarh, Jan 31: Students of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) held a candle march on Thursday evening to mourn the tragic deaths of 17 people, including 14 children, in Budhal, Rajouri, over the past two months.
The protest, led by Zubair Reshi, National Spokesperson and Media Incharge of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), aimed to highlight official apathy toward the plight of the affected families. The march witnessed significant participation from students, activists, and scholars from Jammu and Kashmir, who united in their demand for justice, accountability, and immediate relief for the victims’ families.
As part of the demonstration, Reshi submitted a memorandum to the AMU Proctor, addressed to the President of India, urging immediate compensation for the bereaved families, a thorough and impartial investigation into the tragedy, and administrative accountability for failing to prevent such a devastating loss of life. Speaking to the media, Reshi strongly criticized the Jammu and Kashmir government for its inadequate response, accusing it of failing to provide relief, justice, and transparency. He also took aim at former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, calling his delayed visit to Rajouri a mere photo opportunity that offered no substantial help to the grieving families. He asserted that the people of Budhal, Rajouri, deserved more than just condolences and needed justice, support, and accountability.
Protesting students at AMU emphasized the urgent need for better healthcare facilities in remote regions, arguing that the lack of medical infrastructure contributed to the severity of the crisis. They demanded immediate government intervention to prevent similar tragedies in the future. In a statement, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association described the Rajouri tragedy as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by underserved communities, particularly in terms of healthcare security. The association stressed the need for urgent and transparent action to prevent further loss of life, called for a time-bound report to ensure justice and accountability, and urged authorities to prioritize health infrastructure development in remote areas to prevent similar crises. The protest concluded with a strong call for justice, urging the government to take swift and concrete steps to support the affected families and strengthen healthcare infrastructure in vulnerable regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
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