In the remote Budhal village of Kotranka in Rajouri district, where life is already fraught with challenges, Mohammad Aslam mourns the devastating loss of his five children and a maternal uncle to a mysterious illness that struck his family like a relentless storm.
His only surviving daughter is critically ill.
"I have lost three daughters and two sons in just a few days. Now, my only daughter is fighting for her life. I have nothing left but her. I couldn’t save my other children, but I’ll do whatever it takes to save her," Aslam said, adding her condition remains critical.
He said his children were healthy till last Sunday when they began showing symptoms of minor vomiting and fever.
They were rushed to the hospital but six out of seven including his five children and his maternal uncle, succumbed to the illness.
"My daughter is still alive but I fear I may receive news of her death any moment," the devastated father said.
Aslam expressed frustration over the lack of timely support from authorities.
He urged the government to expedite investigation to identify the cause of the outbreak and take immediate action to prevent further loss of life.
"I have lost everything, but I don’t want others to suffer the same fate. The government must act quickly to save lives in this area," he said.
The victims of the tragedy have been identified as Nabina, Jabeena, Safeena, Zahoor Ahmad and Mohammad Maroof, along with their maternal uncle, Mohammad Yousuf.
The lone surviving daughter battling for her life is Yasmeena Jan.
The outbreak has caused widespread panic in Badhaal village with residents increasingly worried as the illness continues to claim lives, including those of children. The situation is worsening as the fatalities are not limited to a single family, leaving every household anxious about the health of its members.