Sacred Fishes’ Mass Death at Shri Martand Tirth Sparks Outrage; Delegation Meets Chief Secretary, DC Anantnag Seeks Urgent Action Headline 2:
Unprecedented Tragedy at Martand Mattan: Devotees Offer Solemn Prayers, Demand Probe and Permanent Protection Measures
Jammu, December 22, 2025: An unprecedented and deeply disturbing incident at the sacred Shri Martand Tirth, Mattan, in Anantnag district has triggered widespread anguish among devotees, following the sudden mass death of thousands of sacred fishes revered as divine manifestations. The tragedy, described as the first of its kind in history, has raised serious spiritual, cultural, and environmental concerns, prompting urgent appeals to the highest levels of administration.
A solemn tribute and prayer ceremony was held today at the holy Kund of Shri Martand Tirth, where devotees gathered in grief to mourn the tragic loss of the sacred aquatic life. Special prayers and rituals were performed in a traditional Dharmic manner, seeking divine intervention and protection of the sanctity of this ancient pilgrimage centre. Holy Jal collected from various sacred rivers was respectfully poured into the Martand Spring as an act of purification, and the ceremony concluded with the chanting of the sacred Shanti Mantra.
Devotees noted that thousands of dead fishes were found along the flowing water track of Martand Mattan, stretching nearly four to five kilometres—an incident never witnessed even during the last 36 years of the Kashmiri Pandits’ exodus. The sight has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of devotees across the country and abroad.
The prayer ceremony was led by renowned social activist and former President and former General Secretary of the Purohit Sabha Martand Tirth Improvement Charitable Trust (PSMICT), Shri M. K. Yogi, along with Shri Veer Ji Pandita. Among others present were Dr. M. K. Bharat, Ashwani Sidha, and Pankaj Bhawani. Significantly, local residents and Sikh communities also expressed deep sorrow, reflecting the shared emotional and spiritual bond associated with Shri Martand Tirth.
Following the religious observances, a delegation of devotees led by Shri M. K. Yogi met the Chief Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, and separately called on the Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Shri Faqruddin Sahib, urging immediate and decisive intervention. The delegation demanded a thorough inquiry into the incident, fixation of accountability, and urgent remedial measures to ensure the protection and revival of the sacred fishes and to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The delegation further highlighted that dead fishes are drifting downstream towards Chakka Nadi, Sangam Ghat, and adjoining areas, lying unattended and causing further environmental, public health, and spiritual distress. They stressed that delay in action could aggravate the situation and permanently damage the fragile ecosystem of the sacred spring.
Responding to the concerns, the Deputy Commissioner Anantnag assured the delegation that prompt action would be taken and necessary steps initiated to address the issue. The devotees also appealed to the Central Government, the UT Administration, and the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir to treat the matter with utmost seriousness.
Calling it a question of faith, heritage, and environmental responsibility, the devotees urged authorities to conduct a detailed scientific investigation, fix responsibility at appropriate levels, and implement permanent safeguards to protect the sacred aquatic life of Shri Martand Tirth. They emphasized that immediate and sustained action is essential to preserve this ancient heritage site and uphold the faith and sentiments of devotees worldwide.
