Lt Governor Manoj Sinha announces Red Cross assistance for Jammu traders
Traders affected by recent fires in Warehouse Nehru Market and Shiv Market will receive Rs 1 lakh each from the Red Cross Society.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announced on Thursday that traders whose shops were damaged in recent fires in Warehouse Nehru Market and Shiv Market will receive Rs 1 lakh each in financial assistance from the Red Cross Society. According to The Indian Express, Sinha stated he has no relief funds at his disposal and requested the organisation for support in his capacity as President of the Red Cross Society.
The Lieutenant Governor visited both markets to conduct an on-ground assessment of the damage. He noted that the Rs 1 lakh per person is the maximum support the organisation can offer under its rules. Sinha told the traders that while the amount is small compared to their losses, he hoped it would provide some help during this difficult time.
The fire in Shiv Market on October 25 destroyed 29 shops, while several shops were lost in a fire at Warehouse Nehru Market earlier this week. So far, Rs 27 lakh has been handed to shopkeepers affected by the Shiv Market fire, and Rs 11 lakh in immediate assistance has been given to businessmen at the Warehouse.
Sinha said the Divisional Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner of Jammu are working to ensure insurance claims are received as soon as possible. He also directed officials to expedite damage assessments and strengthen fire safety protocols in commercial hubs.
An inquiry committee, consisting of the Inspector General, Jammu, and the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, has been set up to investigate the cause of the Warehouse Nehru Market fire. The committee must submit a report within 15 days to determine if any negligence occurred and fix responsibility.