Search for Drowned Hajin Youth Enters Fourth Day in Jhelum, MLA Announces Rs7 Lakh for Life Saving Jackets

Bandipora, Sep 9: The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in Bandipora on Tuesday resumed its search operation for the fourth consecutive day at Nicheer Baniyari, Hajin, where a youth drowned in the Jhelum River on September 6.

The missing youth has been identified as Amir Ahmad Dar, son of Gulzar Ahmad Dar, a resident of Nicheer Hajin. Teams of SDRF personnel, assisted by local volunteers, have been tirelessly scouring the river in an effort to trace him. Despite their efforts, the body has not yet been retrieved.

The prolonged search has sparked dissatisfaction among locals, who have urged the administration to involve specialized rescue teams such as the Marine Commandos (MARCOS), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and nearby fishermen communities to intensify the operation.

Meanwhile, MLA Sonawari Advocate Hilal Akbar Lone announced the release of ₹7 lakh for the purchase of life-saving jackets for fishermen in Baniyari and adjoining areas. He said the initiative would provide vital safety support to fishermen who often risk their lives during emergencies and rescue efforts in the flood-prone Sonawari belt.