Srinagar, Apr 17: People from different walks of life continued to throng Gandbal area here to share the grief of the families who lost their loved ones in the boat capsize in river Jhelum on Tuesday.
People from different areas comforted the bereaved families throughout the day. As the search for the missing persons persisted, many volunteers from different areas joined operation to help retrieve the bodies of missing persons.
On Tuesday morning, a boat sank in the Jhelum River near Batwara. It had schoolchildren and their families on board. At least six people were reported dead and several others were missing after a boat capsize incident. The incident sent shock waves across Kashmir.
“As parents, we can feel the pain of these families who lost their loved ones. Our heart goes to them,” said a person in an emotional tone.
“My son and grandson left home along with his son to drop him at the school, situated on the opposite side of the river Jhelum in Gandabal area of Batwara,” said Haja Bejum, the mother of Showkat Ahmad, who is missing.
Haja Begum’s pain was clear amid the grief as she looked for her son and her grandson, who disappeared after the fatal boat disaster. Her eyes scanned the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of her son and grandson. She was consoled by people who had gathered at her home.
Another man, only a few meters away, was in shock over the devastating loss of his children and wife in the same disaster. Neighbors and friends gathered around, attempting to reduce his suffering and give their sympathies.
Muhammad Maqbool, local resident, shared, “These two boys were incredibly kind and affectionate. They prayed regularly and observed aitikaf during this Ramadan. They were always together, never apart. Now, they are together forever, even in the grave.”
As the community came together to support one another in their time of need, the weight of the tragedy hung heavy in the air. Each person is touched by the loss of a friend, a neighbour, a family member, or a child.
One survivor shared his terrifying experience, feeling very sad about losing family members. He said, “The boat was too crowded. When we almost reached the other side, it flipped over suddenly. My brother is still missing. I can’t imagine being alive without my brother.”
Mushtaq Ahmed, another survivor, remembered the tragedy. He said there were around 26 passengers, including kids and women, on the boat. When the boat was in the middle of the river, it flipped over. “I held onto a rope and survived. Two boys and a woman also made it out and they are alive with me. Unfortunately, the others drowned in the Jhelum River.”
For the second day straight, authorities have been conducting a major rescue operation to find the people who drowned in the Jhelum River.
As the search for survivors continues, the families are still waiting for news of their missed loved ones, the community remains united in their grief, finding strength in each other as they are navigating the aftermath of this devastating tragedy.
By Numaan Bhat and Mehroob Mushtaq