Jammu, Nov 09 (KNO): A massive fire that broke out at the historic Warehouse Nehru Market near Bikram Chowk in Jammu on Diwali night gutted several shops and godowns, destroying huge stocks of foodgrains, edible oil, ghee and other commodities and causing losses estimated to run into several crores of rupees.
The blaze, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), erupted around 8.30 pm on Sunday in Block-C of the wholesale market and rapidly spread through adjoining establishments. Shops and godowns numbered 48 to 54 were among the worst affected.
The fire was reportedly fuelled by large quantities of edible oil, ghee and other combustible materials stored in the premises. While a spark from Diwali fireworks is suspected to have triggered the incident, the exact cause is yet to be officially established.
In protest against what they termed a delayed and inadequate response by the Fire and Emergency Services Department, traders across the Warehouse market and Bikram Chowk observed a complete shutdown on Monday.
Warehouse Traders Association president Deepak Gupta alleged that the delay in deploying fire tenders allowed the blaze to spread to neighbouring shops and godowns.
He claimed only two fire tenders reached the spot nearly 90 minutes after the fire broke out despite the nearest fire station being just a few minutes away. He demanded accountability and action against officials if negligence was found.
Fire and Emergency Services officials, however, rejected the allegations, asserting that the distress call was attended to promptly. They said two fire tenders from the nearest station were dispatched immediately and additional vehicles from other stations were mobilised as the operation expanded.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed grief over the incident and directed officials to ensure immediate relief and assistance to affected traders. In a post on X, he said he had reviewed the situation and instructed officials to extend all necessary support.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed sympathy with the affected traders and directed the district administration to provide immediate relief. He ordered a comprehensive assessment of the losses and appropriate measures to assist affected businesses.
Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Dr Jitendra Singh said he was deeply shocked by the incident and expressed concern over allegations of a delayed firefighting response. He urged authorities to address the matter on priority.
Former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, who visited the site, described the losses as enormous and called for a coordinated relief and rehabilitation package from both the Jammu and Kashmir Government and the Centre.
She noted that many traders operate with borrowed funds or life savings and that insurance coverage, where available, may not be sufficient to offset such extensive losses.
She also raised concerns over the alleged delay in the arrival of fire tenders and the adequacy of firefighting equipment, urging the government to provide financial assistance to help traders restart their businesses.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Jammu MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma and other political leaders visited the market and interacted with affected traders.
The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee demanded an inquiry into the alleged lapses in the firefighting response and sought an adequate relief package for those affected.
The party also called for a review of emergency preparedness during festivals such as Diwali, when the risk of fire incidents is higher—(KNO)