Farooq Rehmani mourns tragic drowning of children in Jhelum River

Islamabad, Muhammad Farooq Rehmani, former Convener of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) AJ and K, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent drowning of children in the Jhelum River at Gundabal-Batwara. The tragic event, involving a capsizing boat during a river crossing, has stirred profound grief throughout the Kashmir Valley.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Rehmani’s condolence message described the devastating circumstances of the incident, where several children and their parents were navigating the swollen waters of the Jhelum when their boat overturned. This tragedy has sent shockwaves across Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting persistent safety issues in the region.

Rehmani criticized the local administration for its long-standing negligence, noting the failure to construct even a basic footbridge over the river in the past 15 years, which could have prevented such dangerous crossings. He offered prayers for the deceased and their families, acknowledging the significant impact of the loss on the community.

The veteran Kashmiri leader’s remarks call attention to broader issues of administrative oversight and the urgent need for infrastructure improvements to ensure the safety of the region’s residents.