Valley mourns tragic loss of five family members in Pandrathan suffocation incident

Srinagar: Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday bid emotional adieu to five members of a family, including two infants, who lost their lives due to suffocation in their rented accommodation in the Pandrathan area of Srinagar on Sunday evening.
The news sent shockwaves across the valley, with people expressing their grief and solidarity with the bereaved relatives. The deceased include Ajaz Ahmad Bhat (38), his wife Saleema (32) and their three children—Areeb (3), Hamza (18 months) and a month-old infant.
As the bodies were brought to their hometown (Gingle Uri) for burial, an atmosphere of sorrow gripped the entire locality, with villagers and relatives gathered in large numbers to offer their condolences — their sobs and wails breaking the sombre silence.
Hundreds joined the funeral procession of the deceased, braving the winter chill to pay their last respects.
“We have lost an entire family. Ajaz, who was working at a renowned hotel in Srinagar for several years was the backbone of his household. His children were so young, full of life. This is an unimaginable loss,” Bashir Ahmad, a neighbour said. “Ajaz was the sole breadwinner for the family and an honest, hardworking man who dreamt of a better life for his children. However, fate has something else in store for him and his family.”
Villagers expressed their grief and anger. They urged authorities to step up efforts to prevent such tragedies in the future. “Many families in Kashmir rely on firewood or coal for heating during winters. This isn’t the first time such an incident has happened. Authorities must create awareness about safer heating options,” said a relative of the deceased.
Local representatives urged authorities to provide financial and emotional support to Aijaz’s paralysed father and ailing mother. “We appeal to the administration to come forward and assist Ajaz’s elderly parents. They are shattered beyond repair,” they said.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening, with the senior police official stating the family was discovered unconscious late at night in rented accommodation at Pandrethan after reportedly inhaling toxic fumes from a heating appliance.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, MLA Uri, Sajad Shafi, Health Minister Sakina Itoo and others expressed their profound grief over the tragedy. They conveyed their deepest condolences to the bereaved relatives, praying for strength and patience to help them cope with this irreparable loss