Officials said that during the night between Sunday and Monday night, the disastrous fire in Sumbal’s main market in Bandipora district of North Kashmir reduced at least 12 shops and four residential houses in ashes.
An official said that soon after the fire, the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the local residents started a joint rescue operation to control the explosion from Sumbal and Naidkhai.
Despite quick efforts, the fire spread rapidly, which led to reinforcement of Safapora and Batwina fire stations.
After hours of intensive fire fighting, the flames were finally brought under control.
While the assets worth crores were saved, the property worth lakhs was destroyed in the blast.
Guthed House, Mohammad Khanday’s son Bashir Ahmed A, granted bail, and Abdulum Khanday, Josa had all the remains.
Officials said the cause of the fire is unknown. Thankfully there were no casualties or injuries. The police have taken cognizance of the incident and started an investigation.
Meanwhile, Nazir Ahmed Reshi, president of the trade federation Sumbal, expressed deep grief over the incident and increased solidarity for the affected families. He urged the Bandipora district administration to provide immediate relief and compensation to the victims. (KNS)
