Srinagar, May 8: Three youth lost their lives on Friday after drowning in the River Jhelum in the Hajin area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Officials said the incident took place in the Check Chandergeer area when the trio accidentally slipped into the river.
Locals and volunteers immediately launched a rescue operation and recovered two bodies, while the third body was retrieved later, they said.
The deceased were identified as Adil Ahmad Dar (18), Sameer Ahmad Dar (22), and Sohail Ahmad Dar (22), all residents of Chandergeer, Hajin.
Witnesses said the youth were washing tent material along the river when they reportedly lost balance and slipped into the fast-flowing waters.
Soon after the incident, local residents and volunteers launched rescue efforts and attempted to trace the missing youths from the river.
The tragic deaths of the three youths sent shockwaves across Hajin and adjoining areas, with residents describing the incident as one of the most painful tragedies witnessed in the locality in recent times.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed sorrow and grief over the tragic loss of young lives in an unfortunate drowning incident in the River Jhelum at Hajin area in Bandipora district.
In a condolence message, the Lieutenant Governor said, "I am deeply pained by the loss of precious young lives in an unfortunate drowning incident in Bandipora. My thoughts and prayers are with the grieving family members. We stand in solidarity with the bereaved in this difficult hour."
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed profound grief over the tragic drowning incident in the Hajin area of Bandipora district, in which three young boys lost their lives.
He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.
He also prayed for strength and forbearance to the grieving families during this difficult hour.