JAMMU, Nov 10: Shiv Sena Hindustan Jammu and Kashmir President Pt Rajesh Kesri has expressed serious concern over the repeated incidents of fire in Jammu’s commercial establishments, questioning the accountability of the administration and the preparedness of emergency services. He demanded immediate financial assistance and adequate compensation for traders who have suffered massive losses in recent fire incidents.
Referring to the latest fire at the Wholesale Market in Jammu’s Warehouse area, in which six shops were reportedly gutted, Kesri said the incident had once again exposed serious concerns regarding fire safety arrangements in the city’s commercial hubs. He pointed out that this tragedy came close on the heels of the devastating fire at Shiv Market near Jammu Railway Station, where around 40 shops were reportedly destroyed, leaving several traders facing huge financial losses.
Kesri said repeated fire incidents, including those reported at different locations on Diwali, had raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the administration’s disaster management and emergency response mechanisms.
Expressing particular concern over reports that the Fire and Emergency Services Department reached the Warehouse market nearly one-and-a-half hours after the incident was reported, he questioned why the emergency response was so delayed. He said timely intervention by firefighting teams was crucial in densely populated commercial areas, where even a few minutes could make a significant difference in containing a fire and preventing further destruction.
He also called for a comprehensive review of fire safety arrangements in commercial buildings, questioning how establishments were being granted necessary clearances and Fire NOCs. Alleging that complaints of irregularities and possible corruption in the approval process had surfaced from time to time, Kesri demanded an impartial investigation into the functioning of the concerned departments and strict action wherever negligence or wrongdoing was established.
“These are not merely shops that have been destroyed; these establishments represent years of hard work, investment and the dreams of families. For a trader, losing his shop means losing his livelihood and financial security. Expressions of sympathy and visits by political leaders cannot compensate for the losses suffered by these families,” Kesri said.
Emphasising the need for urgent government intervention, Kesri said the government must move beyond assurances and announce immediate relief for the affected traders. He demanded that the losses be assessed transparently and adequate compensation provided without unnecessary delays.He further said that the government has an equal responsibility towards every region and section of society. He stressed that the traders of Jammu deserve the same attention, protection and institutional support as any other section of the Union Territory, particularly when they are facing an unprecedented crisis.
Putting forward a six-point charter of demands, Kesri called for immediate interim financial assistance to all traders affected by the recent fire incidents, along with a transparent assessment of losses and adequate government compensation to the affected business establishments. He also demanded a high-level inquiry into the reported delay in the arrival of Fire and Emergency Services at the Warehouse market and a comprehensive audit of Fire NOCs and safety arrangements in all commercial buildings. Further, he sought an impartial investigation into allegations of corruption, irregularities and administrative negligence, with strict action against those found responsible. Esri also stressed the need to install modern firefighting equipment and establish an effective rapid-response mechanism in Jammu’s major commercial areas to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
Kesri said the business community was not seeking sympathy or temporary political attention but concrete action, accountability and long-term security for its livelihood. He urged the administration to ensure that such tragedies do not recur due to preventable shortcomings and that adequate preventive arrangements are put in place to protect commercial establishments. Concluding his statement, Pt Rajesh Kesri prayed to Mata Vaishno Devi to grant strength, courage and patience to the affected traders and their families during this difficult period. He reiterated that the government must stand firmly with the victims and ensure that justice is delivered through timely relief, accountability and meaningful corrective measures.