Traders in Jammu observe second day of bandh after market fire
Warehouse and Nehru Market traders are protesting against the administration for alleged negligence by fire services during a Diwali night blaze.
Traders in the Warehouse and Nehru Market areas of Jammu observed a complete bandh on the second consecutive day, according to the Daily Excelsior. The protest is against the Jammu and Kashmir UT administration for its alleged failure to take action against Fire and Emergency Services officials regarding delayed response during a fire on Diwali night.
The fire, which occurred on Sunday night, gutted eight shops at Kamla Market in Warehouse, resulting in property losses worth crores. The Ware House Nehru Market Traders Association, led by president Deepak Gupta, is demanding financial support from the government and action against officials for alleged negligence in operations.
In-charge Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar and Divisional Commissioner Jammu Vikas Kundal visited the site on Monday evening to take stock of the situation. The Chief Secretary assured an inquiry into the matter and the allotment of land for godowns after meeting with the association and victims.
Deepak Gupta stated that the association has called for a market shutdown until Wednesday. However, he noted that if a written order is issued regarding the verbal assurances given by officials, the proposed bandh on Wednesday will be withdrawn.
The Federation of Industries Jammu (FOIJ) has urged the government to convene an emergency meeting with insurers, banks, and affected traders. FOIJ Chairman Tarun Singla led a delegation to the market to express solidarity with the trading community.