Srinagar, Apr 16, : Former Union Minister Saifuddin Soz expressed shock over the boat capsizing tragedy.
“I express my deepest sadness on the loss of lives in a tragic capsizing of the boat at Gandabal Batwara, Srinagar,” Soz said in a statement.
He said he talked to Chief Engineer R&B (Central) Sajad Naqeeb who provided some information that he accepted as authentic.
Mr. Naqeeb said that the bridge at which this incident occurred had not yet been declared open by the R&B Department. He also said that the people of the area started using this bridge, as per their requirement. That is what happens usually.
It turns out to be a fact that if the boat-man had not overloaded his boat, (which had capacity for 15 people but, the boatman had allowed access to 25 persons) which finally capsized.
I thoroughly agreed with the Chief Engineer Mr. Sajad Naqeeb who said that it is a man-made tragedy and we can only mourn the death of these innocent people.
Meanwhile, I strongly urge the LG administration to reach the victims and bring all kind of relief to the devastated families. The Administration should also take urgent measures to complete the construction of the bridge.”
