Bandipora, Feb 26: A massive fire broke out in the main market of Bandipora early Thursday morning, gutting around 15 shops housed in a three-storey commercial complex and causing heavy losses to traders.
An official said the Fire and Emergency Services received a distress call reporting a major blaze in the market area. Fire tenders from the Bandipora headquarters, along with a vehicle from Ajas station, were rushed to the spot. Personnel from Bandipora Police also reached the site and assisted in the operation.
Four fire tenders were pressed into service as firefighters launched intensive efforts to contain the flames and prevent the blaze from spreading to adjoining structures. Thick smoke engulfed the market as teams battled the fire for several hours before bringing it under control.
Officials said a detailed assessment was being carried out to determine the total loss and the exact cause of the fire. “The preliminary reports suggest that around 14 shops have been completely gutted. The cause of the fire is under investigation,” an official said.
Shopkeepers appreciated the prompt response of the Fire and Emergency Services, stating that teams reached the site quickly and immediately began firefighting with support from local volunteers.
Some locals, however, expressed concern over the limited infrastructure at the Bandipora fire station, saying it lacked adequate vehicles and modern equipment to handle large-scale incidents efficiently. They stressed the need for additional fire tenders and upgraded firefighting tools.
Traders said the losses could run into crores of rupees and urged the district administration to conduct a proper assessment and provide financial assistance to the affected shopkeepers.
MLA Bandipora Nizamuddin Bhat, who visited the affected market, termed the incident deeply unfortunate and said the financial burden would weigh heavily on the affected traders for a long time. He said Bandipora has limited commercial activity, with no major industries or large investors, and most businesses survive on bank loans and small-scale trade that sustains local employment.
Bhat said three-storey and two-storey structures, along with belongings of several families, were reduced to ashes and called for urgent compensation. He appealed to the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to personally assess the losses and extend substantial financial assistance through government and banking channels.
He also demanded immediate settlement of insurance claims and urged the Red Cross to intervene without delay to support the affected traders. [KNT]
