Child Deaths in Rajouri ۔Rajouri is just a few kilometers away from Nakyal.District: A Question Mark۔there is a barrier between us—the Line of Control (LoC)

Child Deaths in Rajouri District: A Question Mark By: Shah Nawaz Ali Sher Advocate, Nakyal, kotli AJK snsher02@gmail.com Today, the cold is intense. I am sitting in the Nakyal area, which is part of the Pir Panjal mountain range, adjacent to the districts of Rajouri and Poonch. Rajouri is just a few kilometers away from here. The time it takes for me to reach Kotli is the same amount of time it would take to reach Rajouri. But at this moment, there is a barrier between us—the Line of Control (LoC). I can see, hear, but not touch or embrace. This pain, this torment, has made me a living corpse. Last week, news spread through social, print, and electronic media about the mysterious deaths of several children in the village of Budhal, located in the Indian-administered Rajouri district. The reports revealed that in the past 45 days, 12 children and 16 people in total have died from this unknown illness. First and foremost, we would like to express our deepest condolences and solidarity with the families of the deceased in Rajouri. We assure them that our hearts are with theirs in this difficult time, and we, too, are devastated by this tragedy. According to credible media sources, in the past 45 days, 12 children and 16 individuals have lost their lives to a mysterious illness in Budhal village. Despite over 45 days passing, the cause of these deaths has not been identified, which is deeply concerning and shameful for the authorities. The negative results from tests and samples, which show no signs of the currently known viruses, make this situation even more perplexing and add to the uncertainty. The care of patients and their families is the priority of any government. Health departments and infrastructure must be improved and aligned with public needs and modern challenges. The deaths of children in Rajouri point to the negligence and lack of seriousness in the healthcare system, which warrants an impartial inquiry into the matter. What is even more concerning is that after so many deaths over such a long period, the health department has not been able to identify the cause of the deaths, which reflects severe negligence and incompetence. In today's world, where scientific advancements have made it possible to cure previously untreatable diseases, even a deadly virus like COVID-19 was eventually identified. The fact that after so many days the cause of this mysterious illness is still unknown is strange and troubling. This issue has sparked anxiety not only among the people of Rajouri district but also among those living on the other side of the Line of Control. Media reports have highlighted the tragic story of a father who has lost five young children to this illness. What pain and torment must he be going through? The families affected are enduring unimaginable grief and suffering. In a situation where the illness is mysterious, and the risk of infection is high, people are scared and following safety protocols, avoiding contact with one another. What must be going through the minds of people in such circumstances? Who will help heal these wounds? Government representatives, including the Health Minister, have visited the area, which is a positive step, but what is urgently needed now are practical measures to prevent further deaths. In this difficult time, we express our deepest solidarity with the families on the other side of the Line of Control. We also urge the government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Pakistani-administered Kashmir) to take special measures to offer assistance and cooperation in this regard. Although the region of Jammu and Kashmir is divided, the people living within the 85,806 square miles of the state share the same pain, joy, and sorrow. We feel their suffering as our own. My greatest wish is that we were not separated by these barriers so that I could be there with them, offering support. The Line of Control not only divides the people of this region from each other but also prevents the sharing of humanitarian aid, solidarity, and emotional support. The governments of Pakistan and India should open trade and meeting points along the Nakyal Line of Control, allowing people on both sides to reunite and support each other. May Allah grant patience to the families affected, and may the cause of this mysterious illness be discovered soon.