JKAP Provincial President says livelihoods reduced to ashes ahead of festive season, seeks time-bound relief
JAMMU, Oct 26: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) Provincial President Manjit Singh today visited Shiv Market near Jammu Railway Station, where a devastating fire gutted around 40 shops, reducing a bustling commercial stretch to ashes and leaving scores of traders facing an uncertain future ahead of the festive season.
Prominent among those who accompanied Manjit Singh during the visit were Arun Chibber, Provincial Vice President; Ajaz Kazmi, Provincial Secretary and In-charge of the Trade Wing; Pavneet Kour, Provincial President, Women Wing; Bodh Raj Bhagat, SC Wing President; Vishal Singh Naryania, Provincial President, Youth Wing (Jammu); Onkar Singh, District President, Trade Wing; Vibhav Mattoo, Social Media In-charge; Neelam Gupta, Senior Vice President; Shikha Bhardwaj, District Secretary; Joginder Singh, Vice President; and Ishan Choudhary, District Youth President.
Expressing deep concern over the extensive damage, Singh interacted with affected shopkeepers, listened to their grievances and assessed the difficulties confronting families whose livelihoods have been severely affected by the incident. He said the tragedy had not only destroyed shops and merchandise but had also shattered the hopes of traders who were counting on the festive season to recover their investments and sustain their families. Singh urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to immediately assess the losses and announce adequate compensation for all affected shopkeepers, stressing that the victims should not be left to struggle alone at a time when they urgently need government support.
Describing the incident as a major setback for the trading community, Singh said the destruction of approximately 40 shops had dealt a severe blow to small business owners who had invested their savings, borrowed money and worked hard to establish their livelihoods. He observed that the timing of the incident had made the situation particularly distressing, as traders traditionally depend on increased commercial activity during the festive season to generate income, clear outstanding liabilities and support their families.
“The fire has reduced years of hard work, investment and aspirations to ashes. For these shopkeepers, their shops were not merely commercial establishments; they were the primary source of livelihood for their families. With the festive season approaching, the loss has come as a devastating blow, leaving many traders deeply worried about how they will rebuild their businesses and meet their financial commitments,” Singh said. He expressed solidarity with the affected traders and assured them that their concerns deserved urgent attention from the administration.
Singh demanded that the administration conduct a comprehensive assessment of the damage and provide suitable compensation to affected shopkeepers without unnecessary procedural delays. He called for a transparent assessment mechanism covering damage to shop structures, stocks, equipment and other business assets, while urging the authorities to ensure that genuine victims receive assistance through a simplified process. He also sought interim financial assistance to help affected traders meet immediate household expenses, repay pressing liabilities and arrange alternative means of conducting business until their shops can be restored.
Singh emphasised that the government should consider a comprehensive rehabilitation package, including assistance for rebuilding damaged shops, facilitating access to institutional credit and coordinating with relevant financial institutions to examine relief for eligible borrowers. He said the administration should appoint a designated nodal officer to coordinate the verification of losses, documentation and disbursement of assistance, ensuring that affected traders are not compelled to make repeated visits to different government offices.
Highlighting the economic consequences of the tragedy, Singh said the fire had struck at a time when shopkeepers were preparing for increased customer demand and had stocked merchandise in anticipation of better business. Manjit was told that the blaze broke out at around 10.30 pm on Sunday and continued for nearly five hours before being brought under control at approximately 3.15 am on Monday. Around 40 shops, many dealing in food supplies, dry fruits and blankets, were gutted. No casualties were reported.
Singh stressed that the tragedy should serve as a wake-up call for authorities responsible for fire prevention and emergency preparedness in Jammu’s commercial establishments. He called for a comprehensive fire safety audit of vulnerable markets, particularly densely packed commercial areas where narrow lanes, electrical wiring and the concentration of merchandise can complicate firefighting operations.
He urged the administration and the concerned municipal and fire services authorities to identify high-risk locations, improve emergency access wherever feasible, inspect electrical installations and ensure that appropriate firefighting equipment and safety arrangements are available. He said preventive measures must be implemented in consultation with market associations so that traders can continue their business activities in safer conditions.
Concluding his visit, Singh appealed to the Lieutenant Governor-led administration and the concerned departments to treat the incident as an urgent humanitarian and economic concern rather than a routine damage-assessment exercise. He said the affected traders needed timely intervention, practical assistance and a clear rehabilitation plan to help them recover from the losses. Singh reiterated that the Apni Party stood in solidarity with the affected shopkeepers and would continue to raise their concerns with the appropriate authorities.
“The administration must stand firmly with these traders in their hour of distress. Their livelihoods have been destroyed, and their hopes for the festive season have been reduced to ashes. They need immediate compensation, meaningful rehabilitation and practical support to restart their businesses. A prompt and compassionate response will help restore their confidence and enable them to rebuild their lives with dignity,” Singh said.