Srinagar: A pall of gloom descended on Hajin town of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Friday after three young men drowned in the River Jhelum while washing tent material along its banks, officials said.
The incident took place in the Check Chandergeer area of Hajin, where the youths had gone to clean tent material near the river.
Officials said that all three slipped into the water and were swept away by the strong current.
Residents and volunteers immediately launched rescue efforts and managed to retrieve two bodies during the initial operation, while the third body was recovered later after an extensive search.
The deceased were identified as Aadil Ahmad Dar (18), son of Bashir Ahmad Dar, Sameer Ahmad Dar (22), son of Mohammad Jamal Dar, and Sohail Ahmad Dar (22), son of Ghulam Nabi Dar — all residents of Chandergeer, Hajin.
The bodies were shifted to a nearby hospital for medico-legal formalities, an official said.
The tragedy triggered scenes of grief across Hajin, with hundreds of people joining the funeral prayers of the three youths.
Residents described the atmosphere in the area as sombre, with mourners gathering at the homes of the victims throughout the day to offer condolences to the bereaved families.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep sorrow over the incident and said he was “deeply pained” by the loss of the young lives.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family members. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved in this difficult hour,” he said in a condolence message.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed grief over the drowning incident and conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased.
He prayed for eternal peace for the departed souls and strength for the families to bear the loss.
MLA Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat and MLA Sonawari Hilal Akbar Lone also expressed condolences and solidarity with the bereaved families.
Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari termed the incident “deeply saddening” and said no words could ease the pain of the grieving families.
