Srinagar, Jan 19: District Congress Committee (Srinagar) president Dr Audil Farooq Mir on Monday said the recovery of the mortal remains of Showkat Ahmad Sheikh from the River Jhelum has brought painful closure to a tragedy that should never have been prolonged, describing it as a reminder of systemic delays and unmet responsibilities.
Expressing deep condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Gandbal, Dr Mir, in a statement issued here, said that after nearly two agonising years of uncertainty, the family could finally perform the last rites with dignity. “Today, they can accord him a proper bath, funeral and burial. This will bestow a semblance of peace upon hearts that have remained shattered since the day of the tragedy,” he said.
The Congress leader clarified that search operations were indeed conducted and that efforts by local agencies should not be undermined. “Searches were carried out, and the efforts put in by the SDRF and other teams cannot be demeaned,” he said, acknowledging the role of rescue personnel who worked under difficult conditions.
However, he pointed out that the operation lacked additional technical sophistication that could have made a crucial difference. “Advanced support, including assistance from the Navy, was requested from the Lieutenant Governor, but that level of sophistication was not brought in,” he said, adding that such support might have prevented the prolonged agony faced by the family.
Dr Audil noted that locals had long believed the body could not have drifted far from the accident site. “With greater persistence, enhanced technology and professional reinforcement, this prolonged pain, sleepless nights and endless grief might have been avoided,” he said.
Calling the recovery a moment of divine decree, Dr Mir said faith offers solace but cannot replace accountability. “In Allah’s wisdom, the moment has finally come. May Allah elevate his station in Jannat-ul-Firdous and grant his loved ones patience and immense reward,” he said.
Turning to the larger issue of infrastructure failure, Dr Mir said the tragedy stands as a stark indictment of prolonged delays in critical public works, particularly the Gandbal bridge. “Even today, the bridge remains incomplete in its promised form. Basic safety measures like fencing are still missing. Are we waiting for another tragedy, God forbid?” he asked.
He urged the administration, led by the Lieutenant Governor and the elected government, to introspect and fix priorities. “When will urgency replace apathy? When will such projects be treated with the seriousness they deserve? Lives are hanging in the balance,” he said.
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