Wullar Lake inquiry commission seeks details about tragedy

Srinagar, June 13 (UNI) The inquiry commission into the boat capsize in Wullar Lake of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on May 30 in which 22 students drowned has sought details and information from the general public on the incident by June 20.

District and Sessions Judge Syed Tariq Ahmed Naqshbandi, who was appointed as the inquiry officer into the incident by the state government on June 8, issued a public notice in all local dailies today.

According to it, the inquiry would be conducted in public on the dates fixed at the Dak Bungalow in Sopore or at any other place as may be notified separately.

Mr Naqshbandi, through the notice, called upon all the people concerned, including the family members of of the deceased victims besides central and state public functionaries, having any knowledge about the incident to furnish detailed information on affidavits on June 20 at the appointed place.

He also sought supporting material on all ''useful and relevant'' points and aspects about the boat capsize.

''If at any stage it is found necessary to inquire into the conduct of any person and functionary, he or she will be called to explain his or her position and should be afforded reasonable opportunity of being heard in the matter,'' the notification said.

Mr Naqshbandi said whosoever fails to furnish affidavit regarding the episode or evidence in defence within the stipulated time, the person would forfeit right to participate or address and it would be presumed that he or she has nothing to say in the matter.

''If found necessary or relevant, any person or any functionary may be called to give evidence or produce any record,'' he added.

The inquiry commission would go into the causes and circumstances leading to the drowning of 22 students and staff of the Burning Candle School, Handwara, in Wullar Lake of Baramulla district while ferrying in the boat on May 30.

It would also identify the people whose negligence resulted in the boat capsize and fix the responsibility.

The commission would recommend the required action against the people found negligent and also suggest remedial measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents.

UNI AG RL KP1713