Jammu:
On the directions of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, and Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani are set to fly to Badhal Rajouri to assess the situation and meet with the families of victims following a mysterious crisis that has claimed 16 lives.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary as per news agency KINS informed, “On the Chief Minister’s directions, I, along with the Health and Medical Education Minister and Nasir Aslam Wani, will visit Badhal to review the situation and provide support to the affected families. Flying conditions are not suitable we are waiting for clearance,”
If the weather permits, they will meet local residents and victims’ families to provide reassurance and assess the ground situation firsthand.
The deaths, reported over the past month and a half, have caused widespread concern and grief in the remote village of Badhal. While the exact cause of the fatalities remains unknown, authorities are making efforts to reassure the community and prevent further tragedies.
Providing updates on the response efforts, ACD Kotranka as per KINS told the media, “We have thoroughly checked all local shops, including medical and grocery stores, and the samples have tested negative. There is no cause for panic.” He added that several homes in the affected area have been sealed off as a precautionary measure.
Health Department teams have collected samples from multiple locations, but reports so far have ruled out any infectious diseases. “We sealed off certain houses due to initial fears of infection and relocated families to safer locations. They are being provided with essentials like food, water, and medicines,” he explained.
Medical teams are working around the clock, monitoring residents and addressing symptoms as they arise.
ACD reassured residents, saying, “We understand the fear gripping the community, but there is no evidence of any virus or bacterial infection spreading. People should remain calm, stay warm, practice hygiene, and drink clean water.”
The ADC emphasized that investigations are ongoing and reiterated the administration’s commitment to uncovering the root cause of the deaths. “We are deeply saddened by these losses. It is a tragedy, and we are taking every necessary measure to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.(KINS)
