Srinagar, Apr 16: Several politicians have expressed grief and shock over the loss of lives in the boat capsizing tragedy in river Jhelum at Gandbal here today
DR FAROOQ ABDULLAH
In his condolence message, National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah said, “Sending heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. The delay in the construction of a footbridge, highlights a missed opportunity to avert such tragedies. My deepest condolences to their families and I urge the administration to extend all help possible.”
GHULAM NABI AZAD
Chairman Democratic Progressive Azad Party ( DPAP) Ghulam Nabi Azad posted on X, “Deeply saddened by the tragic news of 6 dead and 10 missing after a boat overturns in Srinagar. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Thoughts and prayers for the safe recovery of those missing.”
OMAR ABDULLAH
In his message National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah said, “Deeply concerned by the reports of a boat capsizing on the river Jhelum at Gandabal, Batwara near Srinagar. I hope & pray that all on board this boat are rescued safely & swiftly.”
MEHBOOBA MUFTI
PDP President Mehbooba Mufti posted on X, “Deeply shocked about the tragedy in Gundbal today. Request @manojsinha_ ji to initiate an enquiry at the earliest to ascertain reasons for the inordinate delay in completion of a footbridge here.”
ALTAF BUKHARI
Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said in a statement, “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.”
SAJAD LONE
People’s Conference President Sajad Gani Lone posted on X, “My heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. It is such a distressing news. So many minors have lost their lives. My prayers and thoughts with the parents.”
TARIQ HAMEED KARRA
Former Member Parliament and Congress Working Committee member, Tariq Hameed Karra said that the “unfortunate incident has raised pertinent questions about the safety measures in place, particularly given the recent swelling of the river due to continuous rainfall in Kashmir.”
Karra in a statement while offering condolences to the bereaved families, highlighted the lack of adequate safety measures at the site of the incident. He emphasised the need for accountability, noting the absence of personnel overseeing the point used by locals for commuting via boats. The incident has shed light on the urgent requirement for enhanced safety protocols along the riverbanks, especially during periods of heightened water levels, he added.
Furthermore, Karra voiced concerns regarding the incomplete footbridge that has been pending for the past decade. He underscored the importance of completing infrastructure projects like the footbridge to provide safer alternatives for residents commuting across the river. Infact accountability should be fixed for it’s non-completion for such a long time. “The delay in the construction of the footbridge has left locals with limited options for safe passage, exacerbating the risks associated with river travel,” he said.
M Y TARIGAMI
CPI (M) leader M Y Tarigami posted on X, “ Deeply pained by the boat capsizing tragedy in Batwara. Sending heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families. The prolonged construction of a footbridge, lingering for years, highlights a missed opportunity to prevent such tragedies.”