MALIK SUMEED
Srinagar, April 16(KNB): In a heart-wrenching incident, a boat carrying students and capsized in the river Jehlum near Batawara, Srinagar, claiming the lives of six individuals, including five minors. The mishap occurred early Tuesday morning and prompted an extensive rescue operation.
Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local police, and community volunteers were immediately mobilized. They managed to rescue five students; however, three others are still missing, and efforts to locate them are intensifying.
Officials have confirmed that eleven individuals were retrieved from the river and rushed to the hospital. Tragically, six were pronounced dead upon arrival, while the remaining five are undergoing treatment.
The ongoing search and rescue efforts are being supervised by high-ranking officials, including the Divisional Commissioner and the Inspector General of Police of Kashmir. The Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police of Srinagar are also present at the site, overseeing the operations.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his profound sorrow over the incident. In a statement, he extended his deepest sympathies to the families of the deceased and assured that all possible assistance is being provided to the bereaved and the injured. He also stated that he is personally monitoring the situation and has directed the rescue teams to leave no stone unturned in their search for the missing students.
The administration has mobilized additional Marcos teams to aid in the rescue operations, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the search for the missing individuals.(KNB)
