SRINAGAR: People from all walks of life have expressed profound grief and sorrow over the loss of at least six lives, including four minors, in the incident of a boat capsizing on the river Jhelum near Batwara, Gandabal, in Srinagar on Tuesday.
MIRWAIZ UMAR FAROOQ
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed deep grief and sorrow over the tragic boat capsizing incident in Gandabal Batwara. He extended deepest condolences to the bereaved families mourning the loss of precious lives in this devastating incident.
In a statement, Mirwaiz emphasized the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and stricter enforcement of regulations to prevent such calamities from recurring. He urged the authorities to prioritize the safety and security of citizens, particularly in areas prone to such accidents, and called for immediate action to ensure that adequate safety protocols are in place.
Standing in solidarity with the affected families, Mirwaiz urged the community to unite in support and solidarity, offering assistance and comfort to those impacted by this heartbreaking event.
“During this period of sorrow, we humbly pray to Allah to bestow Sabr (patience) and strength upon the parents, siblings, and loved ones of the deceased. May Allah envelop them in His infinite mercy and grant them the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” Mirwaiz added.
TARIGAMI (CPI-M)
Mohamad Yousuf Tarigami, CPI(M) leader, has expressed grief and sorrow over boat capsizing tragedy in Batwara area of Srinagar, urging the administration to speed up the rescue operation.
The prolonged construction of the nearby footbridge reportedly pending since last 20 years could have probably prevented such a tragedy.
Tarigami expressed condolences to the bereaved families and urged the administration to provide adequate compensation to the victim families.
ALTAF BUKHARI (APNI PARTY)
Apni Party leaders, including President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir, Provincial President Mohammad Ashraf Mir, and other esteemed leaders, have expressed profound grief and sorrow over the loss of at least six lives, including four minors, in the incident of a boat capsizing on the river Jhelum near Batwara, Gandabal, in Srinagar.
According to a party statement issued here, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, Ghulam Hassan Mir, Mohammad Ashraf Mir, and other esteemed party leaders have expressed their utmost grief and sorrow over the boat capsizing incident.
Altaf Bukhari said, “The loss of at least six precious lives, including four children, in this tragedy is heartbreaking. I am in deep shock and sorrow. My heartfelt sympathies go out to the families who have lost their loved ones in this horrific incident. May Allah grant them the strength they need to endure this devastating debacle.”
He urged the administration to ensure adequate compensation and all possible help for the bereaved families who lost their kith and kin in this unfortunate incident.
He said, “I request the LG administration to provide adequate compensation as well as all possible help to the families of the deceased. Also, I urge the administration to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the details, facts, and causes of this tragedy. It is essential to take necessary measures to prevent any such incident from occurring in the future.”
In his message, Ghulam Hassan Mir said, “This is a monumental tragedy for all of us. I am shocked and profoundly grieved over the loss of lives in this tragic incident. I extend my deepest sympathies to the affected families. May the Almighty grant them the strength to endure the pain of this irreparable and inconsolable loss.”
In his statement, Mohammad Ashraf Mir said, “I am devastated by this tragic incident. My thoughts and prayers go out to the families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. This painful incident has left the whole area in deep shock and trauma. I feel deeply traumatized. Personally, I am deeply affected and stand in unwavering solidarity with the grieving families.”
SAJAD LONE (PEOPLE’S CONFERENCE)
J&K Peoples Conference President Sajad Gani Lone extended his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the devastating boat capsizing incident in Gandbal-Batwara on Tuesday morning.
Expressing deep distress over the tragic news, he particularly empathised with the loss of numerous minors in the incident.
“It is such distressing news. My heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. So many minors have lost their lives. My prayers and thoughts are with the parents during this unimaginably difficult time,” stated Lone.
Furthermore, he called upon the administration and SDRF teams to expedite rescue operations and ensure the survivors receive prompt and best possible medical care. He also urged the authorities to provide all possible help to the bereaved families during this difficult time.
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) is distressed over the loss of life in the Boat Capsizing Tragedy at Batwara – Gandabal River Jhelum crossing. The KCCI mourns the loss of life of 6 persons including School Children. It appeals the administration to redouble the operation to search the missing persons. It is a tragic and inconsolable loss to the families of the children who were on way to school in the Ill fated boat and never returned. No words are enough to grieve over the loss and express condolences to the families of the victims.
KASHMIR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
KCCI said it believes that this tragic incident could have been averted had the concerned authorities shown sensitivity to the situation that existed at the spot and many other dangerous River Crossings.
“It is perplexing to note that the process of construction of the bridge had been initiated at the site but abandoned for un-known reasons. The safety and security of citizens is the foremost duty of any government but in this and other such cases the safety concerns have been ignored. It would be worthwhile to mention that the KCCI in Srinagar Smart City Project Limited meetings had been pressing to take Developmental / Beautification works beyond the Srinagar Municipal Limits but the suggestion was ignored on the ground that the funds earmarked would have to be spent within the Srinagar Municipal Limits,” it said in a statement.
The KCCI has demanded that the work on Batwara- Gandabal Bridge be taken up on war footing, as also on other similarly situated River Crossing bridges/footbridges be taken up/completed on urgent basis to avert similar incidents and loss of more lives.
KASHMIR TRADE ALLIANCE
The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the devastating boat capsizing on the Jhelum River that claimed the lives of six people, including several minors, on Tuesday morning.
KTA President Aijaz Shahdhar conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families impacted by the tragic incident.
“Our hearts are shattered by this terrible loss of life,” Shahdhar said. “To lose innocent young children in such a horrifying manner is an unimaginable tragedy for their families and our entire community.”
KTA president called upon government authorities to provide all possible assistance and support to the bereaved families grappling with this profound grief.
“In their darkest hour, these families should not have to worry about finances or making arrangements. It is incumbent upon the administration to urgently step in and ensure all their needs are taken care of,” Shahdhar stated.
As a pall of gloom hung over the Kashmir Valley, Shahdhar lauded the selfless efforts of locals and emergency responders who plunged into the turbulent river waters to attempt rescuing the capsized passengers, risking their own lives.