Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, May 27: Two young men from the old city’s Safa Kadal area have won the hearts of people across Kashmir with their courageous act of saving a boy from drowning in the Jhelum River.
The incident took place in Gassi Muhalla, located along the Jhelum River, when a 7-year-old boy slipped into the water while playing with friends on the riverbank.
As soon as the boy fell in, his family began shouting for help. In that critical moment, Zahoor Ahmad and Showkat Ahmad emerged like angels for the boy and his family, immediately jumping into the river without hesitation.
“I was busy with work when I heard the screams of a little girl calling for help. The moment we came out, I tried to locate him; as soon as I did, I swiftly took off my clothes and jumped into the river to save him without thinking about anything else,” said Zahoor Ahmad, 30, one of the brave souls who saved the child’s life. Zahoor runs a steel fabrication factory near the river.
He explained that the Jhelum’s current is very strong these days, quickly sweeping away anything in its path. He also emphasized the crucial role played by Showkat, another youngster who is a driver by profession.
“When I saw him, he was being carried away by the current. I jumped in, and Showkat ran along the banks to intercept the boy from another side,” he said.
When asked what he thought before jumping into the river and while swimming to reach the boy, Zahoor said: “The only thing in my mind was that a life was in danger, and I needed to save him.”
Showkat Ahmad, 26, also described how he reacted. He quickly assessed the situation and ran along the banks of the Jhelum in the direction the boy was being carried.
“Zahoor came from one side, and I came from another. After strenuous efforts, we managed to grab hold of him and bring him to the riverbank. We administered CPR, and he suddenly started crying. After that, we handed him over to his family,” he said.
It is worth noting that rescuing people who accidentally slip into the river or jump in to commit suicide is not new for these two young men. They mentioned that they have rescued people several times before this incident, including a woman who attempted suicide.
The residents of the area are praising both youngsters, stating that if they had not been there at the time of the incident, it would have been fatal for the boy.
On the other hand, the bravery of these young men is also being celebrated on social media platforms, where people are lauding their efforts, terming them angels sent by God.
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