Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], January 19 : Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Sunday that the reason behind the mysterious deaths reported in Rajouri's district will be ascertained very soon.
A mysterious disease has been wreaking havoc in Rajouri district, claiming 16 lives and affecting 38 people since early December 2024.
On deaths reported in Budhal village due to a 'mysterious illness', Sinha told reporters here "The health department of J&K and other departments also conducted an investigation into it but the correct facts could not be ascertained.
"Yesterday Union Home Minister Amit Shah constituted a committee of experts and the team has arrived...The police have also formed an SIT...," he mentioned. "I believe that the reason (behind the deaths) will be ascertained very soon."
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday ordered the constitution of an inter-ministerial team led by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to investigate the causes of unexplained deaths in three incidents reported over the past six weeks.
The Indian Army has been deployed to the area to provide essential supplies, including food, water, and shelter, to the residents.
Locals are grateful for the army's support, with one resident, Md Bashir, saying, "The army has been deployed here and is providing us with rations, tents, and essential supplies. They're giving us food, water, and support for 4-5 days. We're grateful for their help during this difficult time."
The Jammu and Kashmir government has also taken steps to address the situation, with Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary visiting the affected area and announcing ex-gratia compensation for the victims' families. The police are investigating the cause of the deaths.
Speaking to reporters, he said, "This is very unfortunate, not just for Budhal but for the entire J-K and country, youths and young children have died...CM himself was monitoring this incident...govt has given ex-gratia (to the victims' families)...the administration is inspecting the ration that is being given to them. Police are investigating to find out how these deaths happened.."
Dilmir Choudhary, ADC Kotranka on Saturday said, "Since December, we have been active. Health teams are going home. Surveillance is going on. We are coming here daily to monitor. The doctor's team was available the day before the incident. They are still available....people don't have to be afraid of this disease."
The cause of the illness remains unidentified, despite extensive efforts by medical experts and organizations such as PGIMER Chandigarh, the National Institute of Virology, and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
The medical teams present in the district are also monitoring the situation of the illness. The Medical experts have asked residents not to panic.