SRINAGAR: Following the mysterious deaths of 16 individuals in the remote village of Badhal, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, and Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani to visit the area to assess the crisis and meet with victims’ families.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary stated, “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 weather conditions allow, the officials will meet local residents and the bereaved families to offer reassurance and evaluate the situation on the ground.
The deaths, which have occurred over the past six weeks, have caused widespread alarm in the village. While the exact cause of the fatalities remains unidentified, the administration is actively working to prevent further tragedies and calm the community’s fears.
Providing updates on response measures, ACD Kotranka, as per KINS, said, “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 as a precaution.
Health Department teams have collected samples from multiple locations, and early reports have ruled out infectious diseases. “Certain houses were sealed due to initial fears of infection, and families were relocated to safer locations. Essentials like food, water, and medicines are being provided to them,” he said.
Medical teams are closely monitoring the situation and addressing symptoms as they arise.
ACD Kotranka reassured residents, stating, “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 ACD emphasised that investigations are ongoing to identify 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 added.
