Union Minister seeks compensation for traders after Jammu market fire
Jitendra Singh flagged a delayed response from fire services following the blaze that gutted several shops in Nehru Market.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Monday called for special compensation for traders after a major fire destroyed several shops and warehouses in Nehru Market, Jammu. The incident occurred on the day of Diwali, though Singh noted that no lives were lost.
According to ANI, Singh visited the site and acknowledged complaints that the Fire and Emergency Services department did not respond as promptly as required. He suggested that during festive seasons, a standard operating procedure should be implemented to keep fire services on standby at sensitive locations.
Singh stated that because commercial properties are not covered under SDRF rules, he would request the state government to explore alternative ways to compensate the traders for their financial losses. He added that the fire services department is also responsible for prevention and taking preventive measures.
Former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad expressed grief over the fire near Bikram Chowk, which caused losses worth crores of rupees. Azad urged the government to assess the losses and ensure the rehabilitation of affected traders.
Jammu and Kashmir Minister Javed Ahmed Rana said the government is standing with those affected and has ordered officials to evaluate the extent of the damage. He noted that the administration will provide whatever assistance is possible.
Deepak Gupta, President of the Traders Federation Warehouse Nehru Market, alleged negligence by fire officials and said traders have shut down the market from Asia Chowk to Vikram Chowk in protest. Gupta claimed that 29 shops and the livelihoods of 290 families were destroyed at Shiv Market.