Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jan 25: The uncertainty and fear continues among the public in Badhaal area of Rajouri as the authorities are yet to ascertain the reasons behind 17 deaths in the hamlet in the last 50 days.
Officials said that all 14 patients from the affected village, who are under medical care in different hospitals are recovering.
He said that there is some breather at present as no fresh such case has been reported in the last three days while all people from the affected village are under proper surveillance so that they can get treatment on time in case any of them are found symptomatic.
He said that this is a fight against an invisible enemy, and various measures have been implemented to manage the situation but people should not panic and co-operate with the government.
Locals from Badhaal village said that they are in constant fear as the government is yet to get any clue about 17 deaths.
They said that they are dependent on their livestock that has been locked at Badhaal where government officials have been taking care of them but they want the mystery to be solved so that they can start anew.
MLA Budhal, Javed Iqbal Choudhary said that all 12 deaths at GMC Jammu were due to carelessness and casual approach at the hospital. He said these lives could have been saved had the authorities at GMC Jammu been proactive.
He demanded proper investigation in this regard and action against the officials, who were casual in their approach.
Meanwhile, an official of the health department said that that FSL report from Chandigarh may take 4-5 days more and will bring any clarity on it as well.
He said that the government has been waiting for a proper report investigation so that necessary steps can be taken and such things can be avoided in future, adding that investigations to check all angles are going on and hopefully any conclusive evidence in this regard will be available soon and till then there is need to be very proactive.
The Jammu & Kashmir Police have formed an 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the mysterious illness. Investigations at multiple levels are ongoing, with all departments on high alert and working around the clock to handle the situation.
Authorities have also implemented measures to “break the food chain” in the affected village by providing residents with monitored food and water supplies.
While the cause of the ‘mysterious illness’ remains unknown, the recovery of patients offers hope for the people of Badhaal. Authorities, along with national health agencies, are working tirelessly to identify the root cause and prevent further incidents.
