A devastating accident in Anantnag’s Bijbehara sub-division has claimed the lives of two young brothers, drowning in the mighty Jhelum River. The siblings, identified as Majid Ahmad Malik and Shahid Ahmad Malik from Jablipora, slipped while bathing on Monday morning.
According to police statements, the duo was near Badshah Bagh when tragedy struck. One brother lost footing on the slick riverbank, and in a desperate attempt to save him, the other also plunged into the swirling depths. A coordinated rescue effort involving police, SDRF personnel, and local residents swung into action immediately.
The search, hampered by strong undercurrents, ended with the recovery of both bodies, confirming the worst fears of the community. This heartbreaking loss has sent shockwaves through the local area, prompting renewed calls for river safety protocols.
The Jhelum has been a silent killer in Kashmir, with drownings spiking in late spring, summer, and autumn. Common scenarios include slips during laundry or bathing. Notably, on April 12, another victim, Ayaz Ahmad, was pulled from the waters near Gowkadal in Srinagar.
Earlier incidents, like a girl’s plunge into the Jhelum reservoir at Pirnia, Boniyar on July 8, 2025, further illustrate the peril. While SDRF and police are routinely deployed, the river’s ferocity often overwhelms efforts. Officials stress vigilance, with Srinagar’s bridge railings serving as a model for suicide prevention amid ongoing awareness drives.
