Jammu: The remote Badhaal village in Rajouri district, within Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), has been placed under strict containment measures following the mysterious deaths of 17 residents over the past 50 days. The situation has incited widespread concern and demands for urgent action to address potential health crises and improve healthcare infrastructure.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, health experts and investigative agencies have yet to determine the cause of these deaths, which has left the local community in fear and uncertainty. The escalating situation has highlighted the need for immediate intervention to prevent further fatalities and tackle systemic healthcare issues in the district.

In response, the Rajouri district administration has enacted stringent restrictions, including prohibiting public and private gatherings, creating containment zones, and intensifying the monitoring of food and water supplies for affected families. Critics argue these measures are reactive and were implemented too late, as lives have already been lost due to a lack of proactive action by authorities.

Patients from the affected village have been moved to Government Medical College, Rajouri, for close observation. An official order states, “All public and private gatherings are hereby prohibited within the jurisdiction of these containment zones to prevent further spread of the infection.”

To enforce these restrictions, additional Indian police and paramilitary forces have been deployed to the village, effectively placing it under lockdown. Health personnel are also stationed in the area to manage the situation, with movement in and out of the village strictly prohibited.

The troubling events in Badhaal highlight significant deficiencies in the district’s healthcare infrastructure. Local residents and activists have criticized Indian authorities for not providing timely medical interventions and preventive measures, which could have mitigated the loss of life.

As the situation continues to evolve, there is growing scrutiny over the Indian government’s priorities in IIOJK, with many accusing it of prioritizing security measures over addressing the fundamental needs of the population.