Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, April 20 

Political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir expressed grief on Monday over a bus crash in Udhampur district that killed 21 people, with the region’s chief minister announcing financial assistance for victims and their families.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the accident was “heartbreaking” and extended condolences to the bereaved families, adding that authorities had been directed to provide all possible assistance to those affected.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed sorrow and said the government stood firmly with the victims. 

He announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh to the Next of Kin of each deceased, Rs 1 lakh for those seriously injured and Rs 25,000 for those with minor injuries from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

“The government stands firmly with the victims and their families in this hour of grief,” CM Omar said, adding that steps were being taken to ensure proper medical care and support.

Officials said the administration was in close coordination with hospitals treating the injured and had directed departments concerned to expedite relief and rescue efforts.

Former chief ministers, including Farooq Abdullah, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Mehbooba Mufti, also expressed condolences and called for all possible assistance to the victims.

The accident occurred earlier in the day on the Ramnagar-Udhampur route when a passenger bus veered off a mountain road under circumstances that are still being ascertained.