'The River Took Away Our Futures’ : Grief Engulfs Hajin

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) ** Srinagar-** A heavy silence hung over Hajin on Friday as thousands of mourners gathered to bid farewell to three young cousins who drowned in the River Jhelum while washing tent equipment, turning an ordinary day of work into a tragedy that has shaken the entire town.

The victims had gone to the riverbank to clean tent material when one of them reportedly slipped into the fast-flowing waters. In a desperate attempt to save him, the other two jumped into the river, but the strong currents dragged all three away within moments.

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What began as an act of brotherhood ended in unimaginable loss.

Among the deceased was Aadil Ahmad, a young father whose six-month-old child will now grow up without knowing him. He leaves behind his wife, three sisters and a family that depended almost entirely on his earnings.

“They went there only to work and support their families. None of them knew they were walking towards death,” a relative said quietly, his voice breaking with grief.

As news of the incident spread through Hajin, panic gripped the area. Residents rushed towards the riverbanks while rescue teams and local volunteers launched frantic efforts to retrieve the bodies.

By evening, grief had consumed the town.

The most painful scenes unfolded when Aadil’s body was brought home. His sisters broke down inconsolably, crying out his name as mourners struggled to hold them back.

“He was our only brother… now who will look after us?” one of them screamed before collapsing near the coffin.“I will shoulder his coffin myself.”

Inside the small family courtyard, women wept uncontrollably while neighbours stood in silence, unable to offer words strong enough to comfort the grieving family.

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Relatives said Aadil had already endured years of hardship. After losing his mother long ago, he had taken responsibility for the household at a young age and worked tirelessly to support his sisters and family.

“He carried the burden of the whole family on his shoulders,” a relative said.“Everything in that house depended on him.”

Read Also 3 Boys Drown In Jhelum River In Bandipora South Kashmir: Toddler Drowns in Shopian, Body Found Downstream

Another victim had recently gotten engaged and was preparing for his wedding, making the tragedy even more devastating for the family and community.

On Friday morning, thousands of people attended the funeral prayers for the trio. As the coffins were carried through the streets of Hajin towards the graveyard, emotional scenes unfolded across the town.

Men struggled to hold back tears while women watched helplessly from windows and doorsteps as three young lives were laid to rest side by side.

Residents described the incident as one of the darkest tragedies Hajin has witnessed in recent years.

“The river did not take away just three boys,” an elderly mourner said softly.“It destroyed dreams, families and futures.” (inputs from KNS)

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