Sopore, Aug 4: A three-day-long search operation for a minor boy who drowned in a nallah in Sopore ended in tragedy on Tuesday with the recovery of his body, bringing closure to an intensive rescue mission that involved multiple agencies and local volunteers.
The boy, identified as Furqan Rafiq Hajam, son of Rafiq Hajam and a resident of Wadoora, Sopore, had gone missing after drowning while bathing in the water body, triggering a massive search operation.
Teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Jammu and Kashmir Police, MARCOS, the Indian Army, and local residents launched an extensive search immediately after the incident. Despite difficult conditions, rescuers continued their efforts relentlessly for three consecutive days, combing the nallah and adjoining areas before finally recovering the body on Tuesday.
The recovery marked the end of a painstaking operation that witnessed close coordination among all agencies involved.
Local residents lauded the dedication, commitment, and professionalism displayed by the Indian Army, SDRF, MARCOS, Sopore Police, and volunteers, who remained engaged in the mission until the boy was traced.
While expressing gratitude to the rescue teams, residents also called for strengthening emergency response infrastructure in the region. They urged the administration to provide additional rescue boats, modern equipment, and adequate manpower to enhance preparedness for similar incidents in the future.
The tragic death of the young boy has cast a pall of gloom over Wadoora and surrounding areas, with mourners expressing deep sorrow over the heartbreaking loss.
