Omar Abdullah Condoles Handwara Student Deaths, Announces Relief Measures

Srinagar, April 12: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed profound grief over the tragic road accident near Handwara this morning, which claimed the lives of two students from Government Degree College (GDC) Sogam.

“The loss of two young, promising students in this unfortunate incident is a tragedy that weighs heavily on all of us. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families during this hour of immense grief. I also pray for the speedy recovery of those injured. We are closely monitoring the situation and ensuring all necessary assistance,” the Chief Minister’s Office said in a post on X.

Acting on the Chief Minister’s directions, Advisor to Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, along with Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar, visited Handwara Hospital to oversee the treatment of the injured students.

The Advisor and Minister interacted with doctors and medical staff, directing the hospital administration to ensure quality care and close monitoring of the patients' recovery.

Earlier, Advisor Wani also visited SMHS Hospital Srinagar, where some of the injured students had been shifted for specialized treatment. He reviewed the medical arrangements, spoke with healthcare professionals, and emphasized the need for uninterrupted and effective medical attention.

Later in the day, Minister Javaid Dar and Advisor Wani also visited the residences of the deceased students to personally offer condolences to the bereaved families.

The Chief Minister has announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs1 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased students, Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured, and Rs 25,000 for students with minor injuries, as part of immediate government support.

Earlier in the day, a bus carrying students from GDC Sogam, met with an accident near the Vadpora area of Kupwara district. Two college girls lost their lives in the mishap, while several others sustained injuries.