Firefighters battle blaze for four hours; officials yet to determine cause; relief efforts underway; DC, SSP monitor situation; religious, political leaders express grief, demand probe
Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jun 24 : A devastating fire engulfed the Bohri Kadal area of Srinagar, causing extensive damage to the historic Bazar Masjid, two shopping complexes, and more than ten residential houses, officials said.
Officials from the Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES), said the blaze, which erupted this afternoon, took F&ES teams four hours of intensive effort to bring under control.
“Although the fire has been subdued, cooling operations are still underway. The exact extent of the damage and the cause of the fire remain undetermined,” officials stated. Also, initial reports said that two civilians sustained injuries in the incident. Both individuals are in stable condition.
The rescue operation was closely monitored by DC Srinagar Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat and SSP Srinagar, among other officials, ensuring coordinated efforts to control the blaze and assist the affected residents.
Meanwhile, several religious leaders and political parties expressed concern and grief over the tragedy.
Dr Abdul Latif Alkandi, president of the Jamiat Ahil Hadees J&K, expressed profound sorrow and called for a thorough investigation.
Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) expressed condolences and urged for immediate action via Twitter. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the community. We urge authorities to ensure swift restoration and preservation of this heritage site,” read the JKPC tweet.
Senior National Conference (NC) leaders, including Party General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar and Member of Parliament Srinagar Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, expressed their profound anguish over the incident.
Mehdi, in a telephonic call to DC Srinagar, sought assistance for the affected and urged the administration to provide relief and rehabilitation to those impacted.
Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP), President Mehbooba Mufti, expressed deep shock over the fire.
In her statement, she urged the government to allocate funds for the reconstruction of the Masjid and to provide immediate compensation to the affected families and businesses. “Our heritage and people’s livelihoods must be protected,” she tweeted.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also conveyed deep anguish and sorrow over the devastating fire. He termed it a significant loss. The fire has inflicted hardship on the community as it ravaged not only the historic masjid but also several houses and business establishments, he said in a statement—(KNO)
