Kupwara, Mar 13: In a tragic incident, a 24-year-old youth from the Machil area of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district passed away due to a cardiac arrest in Chandigarh, where he had gone to collect his Bachelor of Pharmacy degree certificates. His family and locals were forced to carry his body on their shoulders due to heavy snowfall blocking the road to his native village.
The deceased, identified as Gowhar Ahmed Mir, son of Abdul Ghani Mir from Dipl Machil, had completed his B Pharmacy degree and recently traveled to Chandigarh to obtain his certificates. However, he suffered a fatal heart attack before he could return home.
As per officials, on Wednesday morning, his body was brought to Kupwara, from where it was taken towards Machil. However, due to heavy snowfall and continuous rain, the road leading to Machil was blocked. Despite efforts by the district administration to clear the route, the severe weather conditions made it impossible for vehicles to pass.
Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kupwara stated that authorities made every possible effort to facilitate the transportation of the body. “The body was ferried by vehicle until the snow clearance was possible. After that, family members, supported by a police party, the Tehsildar, and Army personnel, carried the body on their shoulders,” the ADC said.
Locals and the deceased’s relatives walked through the snow-covered route, carrying the body on a stretcher. They managed to reach the Pir Baba Shrine with the help of Beacon staff before continuing towards Machil.
Meanwhile, the district administration has faced criticism for not ensuring better road connectivity to the border region, which frequently remains cut off during harsh winters.
Gowhar Ahmed’s last rites were performed in his native village after the arduous journey through snowbound terrain.
