Three youths allegedly drowned in the Jhelum River in the Chandergir area of Bandipora on Friday while washing tents near the riverbank, officials said. Rescue teams launched an immediate search operation after the incident was reported, and the bodies of all three victims were later recovered from the river. The tragic incident has triggered widespread grief across the region, with several political leaders and organisations expressing condolences to the bereaved families.
Officials identified the deceased as Sohail Ahmad Dar (22), Adil Ahmad Dar (18), and Sameer Ahmad Dar (22), all residents of Chandergir in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district. According to officials, the youths had entered the river while washing tents when they allegedly drowned. Their bodies were later shifted to a hospital for medico-legal formalities after being recovered during the rescue operation.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the deaths and conveyed condolences to the affected families. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed sorrow over the incident and said he was deeply pained by the loss of young lives. “My thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family members. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved in this difficult hour,” he said in a condolence message.
Farooq Abdullah described the incident as deeply distressing and termed it an irreparable loss for the affected families. He also urged the administration to provide all possible support and assistance to the grieving families. Sonawari MLA Hilal Akbar Lone reportedly visited the site and reviewed the rescue operation following the incident.
The People's Democratic Party also expressed grief, saying it was heartbroken over the drowning of the three youths. Kashmir’s chief preacher, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, said he was deeply saddened by the tragedy and offered prayers for the departed souls while extending condolences to their families.
