The loss of 17 precious lives had raised the hue and cry amongst all with the government both in centre as well in Jammu and Kashmir constituting multiple teams to ascertain the cause of deaths in Badhaal area of Rajouri. However, with the passage of time, the people showing symptoms of the unknown disease started recovering after 50 days and thus the issue has seemingly been diverted gradually as none of the teams have so far come up with any facts that claimed the lives in the hamlet. The probe committees including Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Police are yet to ascertain the facts behind the deaths, but the government has now allowed the people in quarantine to proceed towards their homes. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the police has questioned multiple individuals but has not uncovered any leads. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has ruled out infectious agents as the cause and is focusing on the possibility of toxic substances. However, at this juncture, the failure of the teams so far in ascertaining the reasons behind the deaths has been making the situation more vulnerable as it points towards the incompetence of the medical technology and other techniques and ways of probe. It is high time to pace up the investigation and make sure that the people will not lose trust in the machinery and technology. The people who lost their dear ones too deserve the answers and they should get it at earliest.
Kashmir’s next revolution will rise from its fields
Shahid Qadri As dawn breaks over the emerald paddy fields of Kashmir, the first rays of sunlight touch orchards heavy...




