3 youth drown in Jhelum while washing tent material in Hajin, Hundreds attend funeral prayers

Srinagar:A pall of gloom descended on Hajin town of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Friday after three young men drowned in the River Jhelum while washing tent material along its banks, officials said.
The incident took place in the Check Chandergeer area of Hajin, where the youths had gone to clean tent material near the river.
Officials said that all three slipped into the water and were swept away by the strong current.
Residents and volunteers immediately launched rescue efforts and managed to retrieve two bodies during the initial operation, while the third body was recovered later after an extensive search.
The deceased were identified as Aadil Ahmad Dar (18), son of Bashir Ahmad Dar, Sameer Ahmad Dar (22), son of Mohammad Jamal Dar, and Sohail Ahmad Dar (22), son of Ghulam Nabi Dar — all residents of Chandergeer, Hajin.
The bodies were shifted to a nearby hospital for medico-legal formalities, an official said.
The tragedy triggered scenes of grief across Hajin, with hundreds of people joining the funeral prayers of the three youths.
Residents described the atmosphere in the area as sombre, with mourners gathering at the homes of the victims throughout the day to offer condolences to the bereaved families.