SRINAGAR: The death toll has mounted to six with two more persons reported dead and at least three missing in the Srinagar boat tragedy, reports said. The tragedy unfolded today morning after a boat ferrying local residents and school children capsized in Jhelum in the Gandbal-Batwara area of Srinagar. Officials said that a rescue operation was swiftly launched by the river police along with SDRF and at least five people were rescued from the river body. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, IGP, Kashmir, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and SSP Srinagar reached Gandbal Batwara to monitor the rescue operation. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has expressed deep grief over the incident. “I am deeply grieved by the loss of lives due to a boat accident in Srinagar. My thoughts are with the bereaved families & I pray to the Almighty to give them strength to withstand this immense loss. Team of SDRF, Army & other agencies are carrying out relief & rescue work”, LG said. He added, “Administration is providing all possible help to the bereaved families who have lost their near and dear ones and medical facilities to those who have been injured. Marcos teams have also been alerted. I am constantly monitoring the situation and guiding the team on the ground”. Top police and civil administration reached at the site to monitor the rescue operation. However, with the swift action of river police, all were rescued and were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital. An officials said that total six persons lost their lives in the mishap however others are being undergoing treatment. A case in this regard has been registered and further investigation has been initiated.
