Bandipora, May 31: A pall of gloom descended over Nadihal village of Bandipora on Sunday after 18-year-old Ubaid Shabir lost his life in a tragic drowning incident at Surinder Nallah of Bandipora, while his father survived after making a desperate attempt to save him.
Ubaid Shabir, son of Shabir Ahmad of Nadihal, accidentally slipped into the water body and was swept away by strong currents. In a courageous attempt to save his son, his father immediately jumped into the water. However, both were carried away by the forceful flow, turning the rescue effort into a heartbreaking tragedy.
The incident sparked panic across the area, prompting police, local volunteers, and residents to launch a massive rescue operation. After strenuous efforts, the father was rescued alive and shifted to the District Hospital Bandipora, where he was provided initial treatment before being referred to SKIMS Srinagar for specialised care. Doctors said his condition is stable and he is currently undergoing treatment.
Despite hours of relentless search efforts, rescuers later recovered Ubaid’s body, sending shockwaves through the village and beyond.
Known for his cheerful nature and passion for sports, Ubaid was a talented footballer who regularly represented his area in local tournaments. Having recently passed his 11th-grade examinations with good marks, he had secured admission to 12tschool h standard just a few days ago, carrying with him dreams of higher education and a bright future.
Friends, relatives, neighbours, and teammates remember him as a kind-hearted, smart, and jolly young boy who was loved by everyone. Many described him as one of the finest youngsters of the locality, admired for his good character, respectful behaviour, and positive outlook on life. Apart from football, he was passionate about fitness and spent much of his time at the gym and on the football field.
His Nimaz-e-Jinazah was led by Imam Nadihal Hafiz Shabir Ahmad and was attended by thousands of mourners who gathered to bid farewell to the young footballer. The overwhelming turnout reflected the immense love and respect Ubaid had earned within the community.
Meanwhile, residents of Surinder voiced concern over the absence of a footbridge in the area, alleging that the lack of proper connectivity hampered evacuation efforts and delayed transportation of the victims to the waiting ambulance. They urged authorities to immediately construct a footbridge to prevent such incidents in the future.
As the heartbreaking news spread, people from across Bandipora poured into Nadihal to offer condolences and stand in solidarity with the bereaved family.
The tragic death of young Ubaid and the heroic yet heartbreaking struggle of a father who risked his own life to save his son have left the entire district in mourning.
“A father fought the raging waters to save his son, but fate had other plans. Today, Nadihal mourns not only the loss of a young footballer but the loss of dreams, hopes, and a bright future.” (KNS)
