ibn sultan
Akhter Ali
Baramulla, April 30: An overwhelming pall of grief has descended upon Tikkan village in Pulwama as the search operation for five-year-old Mohammad Hanzala—who tragically slipped into the Ranbir Nallah—entered its fifth consecutive day without any significant breakthrough. The heart-rending incident has sent shockwaves across the region, as rescue teams, local volunteers, and administrative authorities continue their relentless efforts, contending with formidable challenges and the unforgiving passage of time in a desperate attempt to trace the missing child.
Asiya Iqbal, President of the Women’s Wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Employees Coordination Committee (JK ECC), Baramulla, expressed her profound sorrow and deep anguish over the tragedy.
Terming the incident as “deeply distressing and profoundly soul-stirring,” she remarked that it stands as a grim reminder of the inherent vulnerabilities faced by young children.
“No words can adequately assuage the immeasurable grief of the bereaved family. Our hearts resonate with their pain during this unimaginably harrowing time,” she stated.
Emphasizing the imperative of heightened parental awareness and responsibility, Asiya Iqbal urged families to exercise unwavering vigilance, particularly in regions fraught with natural hazards such as open water channels and fast-flowing streams. She underscored that such tragic occurrences highlight the urgent necessity of ensuring the safety and protection of children at all times.
Amid the ongoing rescue operations, special commendation has been accorded to Mohammad Hamza Sheikh, a seasoned rescuer from Doda with over fifteen years of field experience.
Demonstrating exceptional courage and selflessness, he has been tirelessly engaged in the search efforts, often at considerable personal risk. Lauding his unwavering commitment, Asiya Iqbal described his actions as “a remarkable testament to humanity, valor, and altruistic service,” and extended her prayers for his safety and success.
Furthermore, Asiya Iqbal laid pronounced emphasis on the urgent need to bolster disaster preparedness mechanisms. She asserted that agencies such as the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other emergency response units must remain optimally equipped, strategically deployed, and perpetually alert to effectively respond to such critical situations. She advocated for the establishment of specialized rescue contingents, including highly trained swimmers and rapid response teams, particularly in high-risk and vulnerable areas, to ensure swift intervention and avert similar tragedies in the future.
As each passing hour intensifies the anguish and uncertainty, the collective hope of the community remains anchored in fervent prayers for Hanzala’s safe recovery. This tragic incident serves as a somber and compelling call for enhanced awareness, collective responsibility, and robust institutional preparedness to prevent such devastating losses in the times to come.
