Srinagar, May 27: In a disturbing incident highlighting the growing stray dog menace in Srinagar, eminent journalist and Editor of the news portal Kashmir Media Watch, Ajaz Ahmad War, was attacked and bitten by a stray dog near the Amira Kadal Foot Bridge, a major tourist hub in the city, on Tuesday followed by Eid Prayers.
According to reports, the incident occurred while Ajaz War was returning home after covering Eid prayers at the revered Dastgeer Sahib Shrine in Saribala. The stray dog suddenly attacked him, leaving him injured in the leg.
He was immediately rushed to SMHS Hospital, where doctors administered anti rabies vaccination and provided necessary medical treatment.
Speaking after the incident, Ajaz Ahmad War termed the attack a glaring reflection of the failure of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation to effectively tackle the increasing number of stray and rabid dogs in the city, particularly around busy tourist locations and public spaces. He said the incident caused him immense distress and severe pain, adding that citizens across Srinagar continue to live under the constant threat of such attacks.
He urged the authorities to immediately launch sterilization drives, vaccination campaigns, and comprehensive public safety measures to curb the growing menace before more lives are put at risk.
Meanwhile, several journalist bodies and members of the media fraternity strongly condemned the incident and expressed solidarity and sympathy with Ajaz Ahmad War. They sharply criticized the Srinagar Municipal Corporation for its failure to address the escalating stray dog crisis despite repeated public complaints and growing incidents of attacks across the city.
The journalist organizations stated that the attack on a journalist in one of the busiest areas of Srinagar reflects the gravity of the situation and the lack of adequate preventive measures. They demanded immediate intervention from the administration to ensure public safety and prevent further incidents.
The incident has once again brought focus on the alarming rise in stray dog attacks across Srinagar, with residents increasingly questioning the response and preparedness of the concerned civic authorities.
