Bandipora, May 8: National Conference District President Bandipora, Dr Zahoor Sofi on Friday expressed grief over the death of three youths who lost their lives after reportedly slipping into the Jhelum River in Hajin area of Bandipora district.
The deceased were identified as Sohail Ahmad Dar, Aadil Ahmad Dar and Sameer Ahmad Dar. The incident has triggered mourning across the Sonawari area, with people expressing shock over the loss of the young lives.
In his condolence message, Dr Zahoor Sofi conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for patience and strength for them during the difficult time.
“No words can console the families and we stand in solidarity with them and pray God to heal their hearts,” he said.
While expressing concern over recurring drowning incidents in the Jhelum River, Dr Zahoor Sofi also supported the local demand for establishment of a dedicated State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) unit for Sonawari Sub Division.
He said several lives have been lost over the years after people slipped into the river and stressed the need for immediate emergency response mechanisms in the area.
Dr Zahoor Sofi said a specialized SDRF team should be deployed around vulnerable stretches of the river to ensure timely rescue operations during emergencies. He added that delayed response in such incidents often reduces the chances of saving lives.
He further stated that he would take up the matter with the government and push for the establishment of a localized SDRF unit in Sonawari.
The NC leader also suggested that local youth involved in sand extraction and fishing activities should be formally trained in rescue operations, as they are often the first responders during river accidents.
He said the Jhelum River has claimed hundreds of lives over the years and called for preventive and preparedness measures to avoid such tragedies in future.
Comments are closed.