Politicising the issue must be avoided, says Sakina Itoo
Srinagar: Minister for Health & Medical Education, Sakina Itoo on Thursday said the government is deeply committed to investigating the recent deaths in Rajouri.
Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Itoo, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the matter involves precious lives. She urged that politicising the issue should be avoided.
“The government is taking the investigation very seriously, and every effort is being made to uncover the reasons behind these tragic deaths,” she said.
Itoo dismissed claims of delayed action by the health department, saying the department had screened approximately 3,500 villagers in the affected areas.
“All necessary samples related to the investigation were collected by the health department, and I commend their efforts. The samples have all tested negative,” she said.
The minister further said that food and water samples consumed by the affected persons were also tested, but no contaminants were found.
“Samples were analysed at top institutions, including ICMR Pune, NCDC Delhi, DRDE Gwalior, and PGI-Chandigarh. The results from these analyses of food and water samples yielded no evidence of contamination,” she added.
Regarding delays, Itoo said forensic science laboratory (FSL) reports typically take over 20 days. “The government has been actively involved in the investigation from day one,” she said.
Urging restraint from politicising the matter, the minister reminded everyone that this is a sensitive issue involving the loss of lives, and the affected families are bearing immense pain.
She assured that the district administration is conducting a thorough investigation, and the government is fully committed to resolving the matter.
“No virus or infection was found in any of the samples, but it remains a subject of investigation, which is ongoing,” she added.
