An infant has died and two women have been rescued following a perilous fall into a riverlet in the Mughal Maidan area of Kishtwar district. The incident occurred on Sunday when the individuals were attempting to cross the water body via a makeshift wooden bridge.
The Chenab Times has learned that the makeshift crossing, constructed from a large tree trunk, gave way as the women, one of whom was carrying the four-month-old infant, were traversing it. The sudden collapse sent them plunging into the fast-flowing riverlet.
Local residents and police teams initiated an immediate rescue operation upon receiving news of the accident. Both women were successfully pulled from the water. However, the infant, identified as Mohammad Usman, son of Mohammad Ashraf, was swept away by the strong current. His body was subsequently recovered from the riverlet.
The tragic event has sparked significant public outcry and led to protests in the Mughal Maidan area. Residents have staged demonstrations, demanding the swift construction of a permanent bridge. Slogans were raised against the district administration and the Jammu and Kashmir government, with allegations of negligence surfacing.
According to locals, the bridge at the site was washed away during floods last year. This event forced the community to rely on precarious makeshift arrangements for crossing the riverlet, a situation they describe as a constant risk to commuters. They further stated that similar incidents have occurred in the past due to the absence of adequate infrastructure.
Protesters are now demanding appropriate compensation for the family that lost their child and the immediate construction of a bridge in the area. The community has voiced their frustration over the prolonged lack of essential infrastructure, which they believe has directly led to the loss of life.
Advocate Sheikh Nasir, a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed his grief over the incident. He attributed the infant’s death to the alleged negligence of the administration, echoing the sentiments of the local populace. The political reaction highlights the growing pressure on authorities to address the infrastructure deficit.
Officials have yet to issue a formal statement regarding plans for the construction of a new bridge or any steps being taken to prevent future tragedies. Further details regarding the administration’s response and any potential investigations are awaited.
The Chenab Times News Desk