Excelsior Correspondent
KISHTWAR, Apr 19: In a tragic incident, a four-month-old infant drowned here today while his mother and aunt were rescued after they slipped into the river Chenab.
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Sources informed that the trio was attempting to cross the river through a bridge made of wooden logs in Mughal Maidan area when they lost balance, fell into the river and were swept away by the strong current.
Locals rushed to the spot and managed to rescue the two women but the child drowned and his body was later on retrieved downstream.
The deceased was identified as Mohammed Usman, son of Mohammed Ashraf.
The incident sparked protests, with residents accusing the administration of failing to restore a vital bridge that was washed away in flash floods September last year.
The protesters blocked the road and raised slogans, demanding immediate compensation for the bereaved family and construction of a permanent bridge at the spot of the incident.
Senior Congress leader, G.M Saroori joined the protest and urged the authorities to act without any delay.
“The bridge must be constructed at the earliest to prevent further loss of life,” he said.
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