Suhail Rather
Bandipora, Feb 26 : A devastating fire broke out in the main market of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district in the early hours of Thursday, damaging over 20 shops and causing losses worth crores of rupees. However, swift action by local youth and firefighting teams prevented the blaze from turning into a far greater catastrophe.
According to officials, the fire erupted soon after Fajr prayers and rapidly spread through a three-storeyed commercial complex in the congested marketplace. Thick plumes of smoke billowed into the sky, triggering panic among traders and nearby residents.
As per the news agency Kashmir News agency (KNS), at least 20 shops were damaged in the inferno. The narrow lanes and closely packed structures allowed flames to leap quickly from one shop to another, intensifying the situation.
Even before Fire and Emergency Services reached the spot, scores of local youth had already begun rescue operations. Witnesses said young men formed human chains to evacuate goods, remove gas cylinders, and assist shopkeepers in salvaging whatever they could from the burning structures.
“They put their own lives at risk. By the time fire tenders arrived, the boys were already on the frontlines,” said a local trader, describing scenes of chaos turning into courage.
An eyewitness recounted seeing youngsters drenched in freezing water, hands trembling from cold, yet tirelessly helping firefighters handle heavy hose pipes to douse the rising flames.
Fire officials acknowledged that the public’s timely intervention significantly aided their operation. After several hours of joint efforts by Fire and Emergency Services, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and volunteers, the blaze was finally brought under control.
Authorities confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported.
Officials said the fire was restricted within two fire gaps, preventing it from spreading to adjoining commercial complexes and nearby residential houses.
Preliminary assessments suggest that property worth crores has been destroyed. Multi-storeyed buildings and entire stocks were reduced to ashes, leaving nearly 39 families dependent on these businesses staring at an uncertain future.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Authorities have initiated an inquiry to ascertain its origin.
Meanwhile, Bandipora MLA Nizamuddin Bhat visited the affected market and expressed solidarity with the traders.
He stated that around 29 shops had been damaged and said it would take considerable time for shopkeepers to recover from the losses. Calling for immediate relief, Bhat urged the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and the Chief Minister to provide compensation beyond routine provisions, noting that existing rules offer limited assistance for commercial losses.
The MLA also demanded swift settlement of insurance claims to enable traders to restart their businesses at the earliest. He announced ?20 lakh in assistance from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for the affected market, subject to applicable rules.
Bhat appreciated the bravery of local youth and the coordinated efforts of Fire and Emergency Services personnel, stating that their timely response saved the rest of the market from total destruction.
Senior citizens of the area expressed pride in the younger generation, saying their courage and sense of responsibility had protected the town’s commercial heart from a much larger disaster.(KNS)
