Jammu, Nov 09 (KNO): Minister Javed Rana visited the fire-ravaged Nehru Market warehouse area in Jammu on Monday and expressed solidarity with the traders who suffered massive losses, assuring them that the government would assess the damage and provide all possible assistance under the prescribed procedures.
Speaking to reporters, Rana, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the circumstances surrounding the incident would be examined through a proper investigation, including the cause of the fire, the alleged delay in the arrival of Fire and Emergency Services vehicles and the extent of damage caused.
"The government, local administration and civil society have a collective responsibility to create awareness among people about safety measures, particularly during festivals," he said, observing that following proper precautions could help prevent such incidents and minimise losses.
The minister acknowledged the anger among affected shopkeepers, saying their grievances were justified given the huge financial losses they had suffered.
Regarding the earlier fire incident at Shiv Market, Rana said the process of filing and processing cases was underway. He added that permission for repair and renovation work had already been granted in the first phase, and affected traders had started the rehabilitation-related work.
The minister assured that the government would extend all possible support to the affected traders, adding that relief, repair and rehabilitation measures would be undertaken in accordance with the established procedures—(KNO)