Advisor, CS , DGP, IGP Kashmir pay tributes to deceased BSF personnel

Srinagar, Sep 21: A solemn wreath-laying ceremony was held here at the Border Security Force (BSF) Frontier Headquarters in Humhama, Srinagar, to honour the personnel who died in an accident in Budgam on Friday evening.

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials including the Advisor to LG Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Chief Secretary Atal Dullo, Director General of Police Rashmi Ranjan Swain, Inspector General (IG) BSF Ashok Yadav, Inspector General of Police, Kashmir, Vidhi Kumar Birdi and senior officers from the BSF, security forces, and civil administration.

On Friday, in an accident near Waterhail Budgam, three BSF personnel lost their lives enroute to election duty for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. The bus, carrying 36 BSF personnel from Aishmuqam to Waterhail, skidded off the road and plunged into a deep gorge.

“Their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the country will never be forgotten,” said the officers while paying tribute to the deceased personnel.

Local villagers, the district administration, J&K Police, and other sister agencies were praised for their swift and heroic response in rescuing the trapped BSF personnel. Their timely intervention played a crucial role in the rescue efforts, which were conducted under challenging conditions in the deep gorge.

After paying tributes, DGP Swain, IG BSF Yadav and IGP Kashmir Birdi visited Waterhail village and commended the residents for timely help.

“When the incident took place, I heard that the villagers came forward to help,” the DGP told reporters in Waterhail. “The more you appreciate this spirit, the less it is. We thought it was right to come here and tell the villagers that their actions were driven by genuine compassion, without expectation of any reward.”

He said that the SPO recruitment drive will be carried out in the village, besides giving cash rewards and appreciation certificates to the people. Several villagers, including a local cab driver, risked their lives to assist in rescue efforts.

“The cab driver said he made three to four trips to transport the injured, and in one heartbreaking moment, a soldier passed away in his arms,” the DGP said. “This shows how good the villagers are and how much they believe in humanity. It’s a natural desire to help a fellow human being, and we deeply respect and appreciate that. We want to recognise their efforts according to the guidance of our SSP. The bravery and generosity these villagers displayed during such a difficult time deserve recognition.”

Most of the injured were treated at the SMHS Hospital, with the majority now discharged.

“Thankfully, none of the remaining patients are in critical condition,” the DGP said.

He said that in the past, relations between civilians and security forces in Kashmir were strained. “However, this incident has seemingly begun to bridge that gap,” DGP Swain.

“Earlier, people, especially the youth, used to stay away from the Police and security forces,” he said. “But after the incident, the villagers and youth who helped were even seen transporting the injured to hospitals. This has brought the two sides closer.”

The DGP said that as the situation improves, confidence would grow on both sides.

“We hope to create a peaceful environment where people can participate in the elections without fear,” he said. “The security arrangements are very detailed. We have made provisions for polling booths, polling parties, rallies, candidates, and observers. There are two layers of security: one for those involved in the election process and another for securing polling stations and candidates.”

The DGP said that the Police, Army, CRPF, and Special Operations Group (SOG) were all working to secure the areas.

“Only if the area is secure can the process proceed safely,” he said.