LG Sinha, CM Omar express grief
Bandipora, May 8: Three youths slipped to death in River Jhelum in Hajin area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Friday after they accidentally fell into the river while washing tent material, officials and locals said.
The incident occurred at Check Chandergeer Hajin and triggered panic in the area as local residents rushed towards the riverbank after hearing cries for help.
The deceased were identified as Sohail Ahmad Dar, 22, son of Ghulam Nabi Dar; Adil Ahmad Dar, 18, son of Bashir Ahmad Dar; and Sameer Ahmad Dar, 22, son of Mohammad Jamal Dar. All three were residents of Chandergeer Hajin.
Witnesses said the youths were washing tent material along the river when they reportedly lost balance and slipped into the fast-flowing waters.
Soon after the incident, local residents and volunteers launched rescue efforts and attempted to trace the missing youths from the river.
One body was initially retrieved and shifted to Community Health Centre Hajin for medico-legal formalities. Rescue teams and local volunteers later recovered a second body, while search operations continued for several hours to trace the third missing youth.
Officials said the third body was eventually recovered from the river later in the day, bringing the rescue operation to an end.
The incident triggered scenes of grief and mourning in Chandergeer village as relatives, residents, and mourners gathered near the homes of the deceased youths.
Police personnel, rescue teams, and local volunteers remained engaged at the site during the operation while authorities completed legal and medical formalities.
The tragic deaths of the three youths sent shockwaves across Hajin and adjoining areas, with residents describing the incident as one of the most painful tragedies witnessed in the locality in recent times.
Authorities have initiated proceedings into the incident.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic loss of young lives in an unfortunate drowning incident in the River Jhelum at Hajin area in Bandipora district.
In a condolence message, the Lieutenant Governor has said: “I am deeply pained by the loss of precious young lives in an unfortunate drowning incident in Bandipora. My thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family members. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved in this difficult hour.”
CM Omar Abdullah also expressed grief over drowning incident in Hajin
The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.
He also prayed for strength and forbearance to the grieving families during this difficult hour.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kangan on Friday issued a public advisory warning residents against venturing near open water bodies amid increasing water levels and growing concerns over drowning incidents in the region.
The advisory cautioned people, particularly youth and children, against visiting risky locations including Nallah Sindh, Wangath Nallah, PDC Canal, and Barwalla Waterfall, where authorities said the absence of safety infrastructure and rescue facilities makes the areas highly dangerous.
Officials said several vulnerable spots in Kangan Sub Division witness heavy public movement during the summer season despite posing serious risks due to strong water currents and slippery terrain.
The administration advised residents not to enter, bathe, play, or move close to open water bodies under any circumstances.
Parents and guardians were specifically urged to maintain strict supervision over children and prevent them from approaching rivers, canals, waterfalls, and other unsafe locations.
The advisory comes at a time when drowning incidents and river accidents have raised concern in different parts of Kashmir, prompting authorities to strengthen preventive measures.
Officials said departments including flood control, police, and local administration have been directed to maintain strict vigilance at vulnerable sites across Kangan Sub Division to avoid any untoward incident.
The advisory was issued by the Sub Divisional Magistrate Kangan on May 8, 2026.
Authorities appealed to the public to cooperate with the administration and strictly follow safety guidelines in view of rising water levels and associated risks. (With inputs from KNT)
