JAMMU, Nov 10: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Raman Suri has expressed serious concern over the alarming spate of fire incidents in Jammu Kashmir, with nearly 64 incidents reportedly occurring at different locations from Jammu and its peripheries alone within a few days. He said the devastating fires at Shiv Market and at a warehouse in Nehru Market, resulting in losses worth crores, underline the urgent need to strengthen firefighting infrastructure and emergency preparedness.
Jammu cannot afford repeated infernos without a comprehensive review of the system’s ability to contain fires in time and prevent colossal losses. Suri said the resentment among affected traders is genuine, particularly over concerns regarding firefighting equipment, water availability and response time. However, the fact that firefighters continued battling the inferno well past midnight must also be acknowledged. While the efforts of fire personnel deserve appreciation, the government must examine whether the department has adequate modern equipment, manpower and resources to tackle major emergencies, especially in congested markets.
He maintained that this is not the time for a blame game but for immediate government intervention. Ministers and officials must move beyond visits and assurances and ensure adequate financial compensation, assistance for restarting businesses and reconstruction of damaged shops through agencies such as PWD or JKPCC wherever feasible. The affected traders have suffered enormous losses and must not be left struggling to rebuild their livelihoods on their own.
Suri also called for a comprehensive fire safety audit of markets, warehouses and commercial establishments. He appealed to traders and residents not to stack inflammable materials such as wood, timber, cardboard and other combustible items on rooftops or in common passages, as these can aggravate fires and obstruct emergency operations. He also asked the government to assess the losses and compensate traders as soon as possible so that they can start their businesses and earn livelihood honourably.