JAMMU, Nov 10: The Federation of Industries Jammu (FOIJ) has urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to convene an emergency meeting with insurance companies, banks and traders affected by the devastating fire at Ware House–Nehru Market, Jammu, seeking immediate financial assistance to help them rebuild their businesses and resume commercial activities.
A delegation led by Tarun Singla, Chairman, FOIJ, visited the fire-affected market and interacted with the affected shopkeepers to assess their difficulties. The delegation included Virender Jain, Co-Chairperson, FOIJ and President, Association of Industries, Gangyal, and Gagan Jain, Co-Chairperson, FOIJ and President, Birpur Industries Association.
During the visit, the delegation expressed solidarity with the affected trading community and assured shopkeepers that the industrial fraternity would extend assistance in sourcing construction and repair materials at concessional rates, wherever possible.
Seeking urgent intervention, FOIJ requested the J&K Government to convene an emergency meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Jammu with representatives of insurance companies, surveyors, affected shopkeepers and the President of the Traders’ Federation Ware House. It stressed that insurance companies should send authorised decision-making officers to resolve pending surveys, documentation issues and individual insurance claims without unnecessary delays.
The Federation demanded that affected traders be provided an interim insurance payment of at least 25 per cent of the provisionally assessed admissible claim amount within seven working days after preliminary verification. It clarified that the advance should be released while detailed assessments and final claim settlements continue.
FOIJ also urged the district administration to expedite the preparation of fire incident reports and facilitate the issuance of duplicate documents that may have been destroyed in the blaze.
Highlighting the financial burden on affected traders, the Federation appealed to banks to grant a temporary moratorium on repayment of existing loans. It also sought fresh working capital at concessional interest rates, amounting to up to 25 per cent of each trader’s existing sanctioned credit limit, to help them meet immediate business expenses and replenish damaged stock.
The Federation further requested the government to take up the proposal with the State Level Bankers’ Committee and direct concerned banks to designate nodal officers for priority processing of applications submitted by fire-affected traders.
In addition to insurance and banking relief, FOIJ called for a shop-by-shop assessment of losses and immediate ex gratia assistance, particularly for severely affected traders who have inadequate insurance coverage or no insurance at all.
It also urged the administration to explore the provision of temporary trading spaces and rent relief wherever feasible, enabling traders whose premises remain unusable to restart their commercial activities during the reconstruction period.
Emphasising the need for time-bound action, FOIJ requested the government to announce an early date for the proposed joint meeting, appoint a nodal officer and establish a clear timeline for the delivery of relief measures.
The Federation offered its full cooperation to the district administration and the Traders’ Federation Ware House in resolving individual cases and facilitating the rehabilitation of affected shopkeepers.
FOIJ maintained that timely financial assistance, faster insurance settlements and institutional support from banks are essential to protect the livelihoods of traders and restore normal business activities in one of Jammu’s important commercial centres.