Jammu/Srinagar, Apr 12 (KNO): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed his deep anguish over the tragic bus accident at Handwara in which two young students lost their lives and some were injured.
The Lieutenant Governor has conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed to the Almighty to give the bereaved families the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
The Lieutenant Governor has posted on X: "The news of the death of two young students in Handwara College Bus accident is extremely heartbreaking. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the bereaved family members. Praying for the early recovery of the injured".
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed profound grief over the tragic road accident near Handwara this morning, which claimed the lives of two students from Government Degree College (GDC) Sogam.
“The loss of two young, promising students in this unfortunate incident is a tragedy that weighs heavily on all of us. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families during this hour of immense grief. I also pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. We are closely monitoring the situation and ensuring all necessary assistance,” the Chief Minister’s Office said in a post on X.
Acting on the Chief Minister’s directions, Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, along with Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar, visited Handwara Hospital to oversee the treatment of the injured students.
The Advisor and Minister interacted with doctors and medical staff, directing the hospital administration to ensure quality care and close monitoring of the patients' recovery.
Earlier, Advisor Wani also visited SMHS Hospital Srinagar, where some of the injured students had been shifted for specialized treatment. He reviewed the medical arrangements, spoke with healthcare professionals, and emphasized the need for uninterrupted and effective medical attention.
Later in the day, Minister Javaid Dar and Advisor Wani also visited the residences of the deceased students to personally offer condolences to the bereaved families.
The Chief Minister has announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs1 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased students, Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured, and Rs 25,000 for students with minor injuries, as part of immediate government support.
Earlier in the day, a bus carrying students from GDC Sogam, met with an accident near the Vadpora area of Kupwara district. Two college girls lost their lives in the mishap, while several others sustained injuries.
Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo has expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragic road accident that took place today in Handwara, resulting in the loss of young promising student, Tabassum Mushtaq and leaving several others injured.
The Minister, while expressing deep shock over this tragic accident, said that my heart goes out to the family of Tabassum who lost her precious life in this heart-breaking incident. She also prayed for strength to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.
The Minister urged Director SKIMS, Principal GMC Handwara, Director Health Services Kashmir and CMO Kupwara to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured students. She asked the Director SKIMS to personally monitor the critically injured students at the facility and ensure their effective treatment.
She further asked other hospital administrations to prioritize the medical care of the injured students at their respective health facilities and offer all necessary support to the victims and their families.
Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief, Mehbooba Mufti also expressed grief over the tragic accident/
“Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a young student in the bus accident at Handwara. My heartfelt condolences to her grieving parents , may Allah grant them strength and patience during this unimaginably difficult time. Praying for the swift and complete recovery of the injured students,” Mehbooba wrote on X.
Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman, Sajad Gani Lone visited the Government Medical College Handwara to meet the students who met with an accident.
“Visited GMC Handwara to meet the students who met with an accident. My thanks to the doctors and the paramedics who have been working tirelessly. Thankfully all the students admitted in GMC Handwara at the moment, are safe. My prayers for their recovery,” Lone wrote on X.
“Two students who had been referred to Srinagar have lost their lives. May Allah grant them Jannat,” he wrote.
Apni Party President, Syed Altaf Bukhari prayed for the swift and full recovery of all the injured students.
“Saddened to know about the tragic road accident near the Vodpora area of Handwara, which claimed the lives of two young female students and left 22 others injured, some critically. My heartfelt condolences to the parents of the deceased girl. Praying for the swift and full recovery of all the injured students. I urge the authorities to ensure all necessary assistance and the best possible treatment for them,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, has expressed deep sorrow and anguish over the tragic road accident in Vodhpora, Handwara, in which two young students lost their lives and several others were injured.
Terming the incident as heartbreaking, Mirwaiz in a statement issued to KNO, said that the loss of such young, promising lives is a great tragedy that has shaken the entire community. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and patience for them to bear this irreparable loss.
Mirwaiz also prayed for the speedy and complete recovery of all the injured students and expressed solidarity with the families and the entire college community during this difficult time.
He said that such tragic accidents are a reminder of the urgent need to ensure the safety and security of our students during educational outings and public travel, and hoped that authorities will take all necessary measures in this regard—(KNO)