Diplomat Desk
Jammu, (DD): Concerned by the escalating death toll in Budhal village of Rajouri district, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting to address the mysterious illness that has claimed 16 lives.
The latest fatality has intensified fears, as investigations are yet to uncover the cause of the deaths.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Minister of Health & Medical Education Sakeena Itoo, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, ADGP Jammu Anand Jain, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, Secretary Health & Medical Education Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, and other top medical and police officers.
Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah provided a detailed update, revealing that health department teams have surveyed over 3,000 residents in the affected area. Samples of water, food, and other materials were collected and tested for contaminants and pathogens, but all results, including those for influenza and common illnesses, have come back negative.
Further testing has been conducted by premier national institutions, such as the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Institute of Virology, National Centre for Disease Control, CSIR, DRDO, and PGIMER Chandigarh, but no conclusive cause has been identified.
Police investigations are also underway, focusing on three families residing within a 1.5-kilometer radius, where all the fatalities have occurred. The clustering of cases suggests potential environmental or localized factors, which remain under scrutiny.
CM Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern over the situation, directing all departments to intensify their efforts. “The unexplained nature of these deaths is deeply troubling. The government is fully committed to identifying the root cause at the earliest. I urge all departments to collaborate and ensure swift action to resolve this crisis,” he stated.
The Chief Minister extended condolences to the grieving families and reassured the public of the administration’s dedication to safeguarding lives. Over the past 40 days, the health department has maintained a constant presence in the area, providing ambulances, medicines, and other essential services to tackle emergencies.
“The safety and well-being of our citizens are of utmost importance. We will spare no effort in uncovering the truth behind these tragic deaths and ensuring justice for the affected families,” CM Abdullah added.
The government has vowed to remain transparent and proactive as investigations continue, leaving no stone unturned in its quest to resolve the crisis.(DD)
