JAMMU, Nov 2: Expressing deep anguish over the devastating fire at Shiv Market in Jammu, BJP Executive Member Raman Suri has urged the National Conference-led government to move beyond symbolic visits and assurances and provide immediate financial assistance to traders who suffered heavy losses in the incident.
Suri said that several shops were gutted in the fire, leaving traders devastated and threatening the livelihoods of families dependent on these businesses. He observed that the incident was particularly unfortunate as it occurred just ahead of Diwali, a crucial business period when traders were expecting improved sales and financial relief.
He said that watching years of hard work, investments and business establishments reduced to ashes was an extremely painful experience for the affected traders. The administration, he added, must not remain a silent spectator while these families struggle to recover from their losses.
Demanding immediate intervention, Suri called upon the government to announce a special relief and compensation package for every affected trader. He said the compensation should cover losses involving shops, stocks, machinery, furniture and other business assets.
He emphasised that financial assistance must be adequate and released without unnecessary procedural delays so that traders can restart their businesses and restore their sources of livelihood.
Suri also urged the government to direct the Public Works Department (PWD) or the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC) to undertake the reconstruction and restoration of gutted shops on a priority basis.
He further suggested establishing a special mechanism to assist affected traders in procuring fresh stocks and restarting commercial activities at the earliest. He also advocated extending soft loans, wherever possible, to help businessmen rebuild their establishments.
The BJP leader said that the government’s response to the tragedy should be judged by the speed and effectiveness of relief measures rather than the number of ministerial visits or photographs taken at the site.
He stressed that the affected traders needed practical assistance, a time-bound rehabilitation plan and concrete assurances backed by action.
“These traders do not need photo opportunities; they need their shops rebuilt, their stocks restored and their livelihoods saved,” Suri said.
He appealed to the government to treat the incident as an emergency and ensure that every affected trader receives an opportunity to rebuild their business with dignity.