Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) students organised a solemn candle march on Thursday evening to mourn the tragic loss of 17 lives, including 14 children, in Budhal, Rajouri, over the past two months. The protest, led by Zubair Reshi, Spokesperson and Media Incharge of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) and a PhD scholar at AMU, aimed to draw attention to the authorities’ apathy towards the suffering of the affected families. The march witnessed significant participation from Jammu and Kashmir students, activists, and scholars, who stood united in their demand for justice.
During the demonstration, Reshi submitted a memorandum to the AMU Proctor, addressing it to the President of India. The memorandum urged immediate compensation for the victims’ families, a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, and accountability of the administration for its failure to prevent such tragedies.
Addressing the media, Reshi strongly criticized the Jammu and Kashmir government for its inadequate response to the Budhal, Rajouri tragedy. He condemned the lack of urgency and commitment to justice, stating that the victims’ families continue to wait for relief and answers.
He also criticized Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his delayed visit, calling it a mere photo opportunity that provided no substantial assistance to the grieving families. “The people of Budhal, Rajouri deserve more than just condolences; they need justice, support, and accountability,” he said.
Protesting students from Jammu and Kashmir at Aligarh Muslim University emphasized that the affected families deserve transparency, relief, and adequate compensation for the tragic losses they have suffered. They urged the government to take immediate steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
In its statement, the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association said that the tragedy in Rajouri is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by remote and underserved regions, particularly in terms of healthcare security. The lack of adequate healthcare infrastructure in such areas makes them highly susceptible to crises of this nature. Immediate and transparent action is crucial to prevent further loss of life and restore confidence among the affected communities.
The Association further demanded a time-bound report on the incident, stressing the necessity of ensuring accountability and justice. This health emergency requires immediate attention to prevent further loss of life, it added.