Pulwama Family Finds Closure As Missing Boy's Body Recovered

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Bringing a tragic end to days of anxious waiting, the body of a four-year-old boy from Pulwama was recovered on Friday morning after a five-day search operation in south Kashmir's Shopian district.
Officials said the deceased, identified as Mohammad Hanzala of Tiken village, had slipped into the fast-flowing Ranbiara nallah near Dubjan Bridge on April 26 and was swept away within moments by the strong current.
“The body was retrieved from a downstream location in the Hirpora area this morning after relentless efforts over the past five days,” an official said.
Soon after the incident, a large-scale search operation was launched involving teams from the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
Despite difficult terrain and strong currents, the teams continued round-the-clock efforts. Specialised equipment was deployed to scan deeper sections of the stream, while additional manpower was mobilised to widen the search area.
Authorities also brought in expert civilian rescuers, including a volunteer from Doda, to assist in locating the missing child.
As news of the recovery reached Tiken village, grief spread across the area, with thousands gathering to attend the boy's last rites.
The incident has left the community shaken, with residents expressing anguish over the tragic loss.

LG, CM Express Grief

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Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the death of five-year-old Mohammad Hanzala from Pulwama, whose body was recovered in Shopian after several days of intensive search operations.
In a post on X, the Office of the JK LG termed the incident“heartbreaking” and extended condolences to the bereaved family, praying for strength and solace in their moment of grief.
Lieutenant Governor Sinha said the incident had caused deep shock, particularly as the search operation continued for six days, and joined people across Kashmir in mourning the loss, praying for peace to the departed soul.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed grief and conveyed condolences to the family of the deceased child.

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