Srinagar, May 9 -- Srinagar- A heavy silence hung over Hajin on Friday as thousands of mourners gathered to bid farewell to three young cousins who drowned in the River Jhelum while washing tent equipment, turning an ordinary day of work into a tragedy that has shaken the entire town.

The victims had gone to the riverbank to clean tent material when one of them reportedly slipped into the fast-flowing waters. In a desperate attempt to save him, the other two jumped into the river, but the strong currents dragged all three away within moments.

What began as an act of brotherhood ended in unimaginable loss.

Among the deceased was Aadil Ahmad, a young father whose six-month-old child will now grow up without knowing him. He leaves behind ...