New Delhi, June 18: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has called for a high-level inquiry into the recent Kanchanjunga Express train accident, offering heartfelt condolences to the families affected.
In a media statement, JIH Vice-President Prof. Salim Engineer expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident near West Bengal’s New Jalpaiguri railway station. “We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic train accident. We offer our sincere condolences, pray for the families of the victims, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured,” he stated.
Eyewitness reports indicate that the police, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and disaster management teams arrived at the accident site more than an hour after the incident. Prof. Salim Engineer emphasized the gravity of this delay, calling for an investigation into the response time. He also praised the local villagers from Nirmal Jote, a predominantly Muslim community celebrating Eid, for their prompt assistance. “Despite celebrating Eid, the villagers were quick to help, transporting injured passengers to hospitals in their own vehicles and offering refuge in their homes,” he noted.
The Vice-President drew parallels with the previous year’s Balasore train accident in Odisha, which claimed over 260 lives and injured more than 900. Highlighting the recurrence of such tragedies, he remarked, “It is highly disturbing that such accidents continue to occur, indicating that lessons have not been learned and corrective measures have not been implemented.”
Jamaat-e-Islami Hind is demanding a thorough investigation into the Kanchanjunga Express accident, with the findings made public and those responsible held accountable. Prof. Salim Engineer also urged the government to take definitive steps to prevent future incidents and provide adequate compensation to the affected families.
