Sheikh Anees

KANGAN, JUNE 9: Tragedy struck Goripora village in Kangan area of Ganderbal district on Tuesday afternoon when two minor children drowned after accidentally falling into an irrigation canal.

According to local sources, the children were playing near the Baba irrigation canal passing through the village when they reportedly slipped into the fast-flowing water and were swept away by the strong current.

Following the incident, local residents immediately launched a rescue operation and searched the canal for the missing children. After strenuous efforts, both children were retrieved from the water. However, they had already succumbed to drowning before they could be rescued.

The deceased have been identified as Ashiya (4), daughter of Mohammad Amin Lone, and Mohammad Imran (6), son of Mohammad Iqbal Lone, both residents of Goripora, Kangan.

The tragic incident has cast a pall of gloom over the entire village, with residents expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the two young lives.

Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated necessary legal proceedings.

Authorities have urged parents and guardians to exercise extra vigilance and ensure that children remain away from rivers, canals and other water bodies, particularly during the summer season when water flow remains high.