New Delhi:  Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) has demanded a high-level inquiry into the Kanchanjunga Express train accident and offered condolences to the bereaved families.

In a media statement, JIH Vice-President Prof. Salim Engineer said, “We are deeply saddened to hear about the tragic train accident near West Bengal’s New Jalpaiguri railway station. We offer our sincere condolences, pray for the families of the victims, and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.  Eyewitnesses say that the police, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and disaster management teams reached the accident site after more than an hour. It is a matter of grave concern and should be investigated. We appreciate the local villagers who hurried to assist in rescuing the passengers and providing care for the injured. It is worth noting that Nirmal Jote village has a predominantly Muslim population that was celebrating Eid. Despite this, they were quick to take action and provided timely assistance. With ambulances unavailable, many villagers transported passengers to nearby hospitals in their own vehicles. Some passengers also found refuge in the homes of Nirmal Jote residents to recuperate.”

Prof. Salim Engineer said, “It is highly disturbing to see that such a train accident occurred just a year after the Balasore (Odisha) train accident in which more than 260 people lost their lives and over 900 were seriously injured. The Kanchanjunga Express train accident has resulted in 15 deaths and more than 60 injured. Obviously, we have not learned from our mistakes nor taken any course correction measures. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind demands a high-level inquiry into the accident and its findings must be made public. Those found guilty should be punished. We demand that the government take steps to ensure such accidents are not repeated. We also demand adequate compensation for affected families.”