NVI Correspondent
Jammu, Jan 17 (NVI): Alarmed by the rising death toll in Budhal village of Rajouri district, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened a high-level meeting to address the mysterious illness that has claimed 16 lives so far.
An official statement said that the latest fatality has heightened concerns as investigations have yet to determine the cause of the deaths.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Health & Medical Education Sakina Itoo, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, ADGP Jammu Anand Jain, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, Secretary Health & Medical Education Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, and other senior officials from medical and police departments.
Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah provided a detailed update on the measures taken by the health department, including a door-to-door survey of over 3,000 residents in the affected area.
Samples of water, food, and other materials were collected and tested for possible contaminants and pathogens. However, all test results, including those for influenza and other common illnesses, returned negative.
The Chief Minister was informed that additional testing had been carried out by leading national institutions, including the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the National Institute of Virology, the National Centre for Disease Control, CSIR, DRDO, and PGIMER Chandigarh. Despite these efforts, no conclusive cause for the fatalities has been identified.
Police officials reported that investigations are ongoing, with a particular focus on three families residing within a 1.5-kilometer radius, where all the deaths have occurred. The clustering of cases has raised questions about potential environmental or localized factors contributing to the crisis.
Expressing grave concern over the unexplained nature of the deaths, CM Omar Abdullah directed all departments to intensify their efforts. “The unexplained nature of these deaths is deeply concerning, and the government is committed to ensuring that the root cause is identified at the earliest. I urge all departments to collaborate and leave no stone unturned in resolving this issue,” he said.
The Chief Minister also extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and reassured the public that the administration is prioritizing their safety. Over the past 40 days, the health department has maintained an active presence in the area, providing ambulances, medicines, and essential services to address emergencies.
“The health and safety of our citizens remain our top priority. The government is fully committed to resolving this crisis and ensuring justice for the affected families,” CM Abdullah added.
As investigations continue, the government has pledged to remain transparent and proactive in addressing the crisis, ensuring no effort is spared in uncovering the truth behind the mysterious deaths (News Vibes of India)
