Srinagar: A massive fire blazed through the historic Bazar Masjid, two shopping complexes, and more than ten residential houses in the Bohri Kadal area of downtown Srinagar on Monday, injuring two firefighters and five civilians. The cause of the fire is still being ascertained.
Religious inscriptions, ravaged by massive fire. Photo By Arsalan Ashiq
An official from the Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) said that it took them four hours to contain the blaze.
“The fire erupted on Monday afternoon and was contained after four hours. The cause of the fire remains undetermined,” he said.
Reports indicate that two civilians sustained injuries in the incident. Both individuals are in stable condition.
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Locals remove debris from the ruins. Photo By Arsalan Ashiq
Meanwhile, several religious leaders and political parties expressed concern and grief over the tragedy.
Dr. Abdul Latif Alkandi, president of the Jamiat Ahil Hadees J&K, expressed profound sorrow and called for a thorough investigation.
Senior National Conference (NC) leaders, including Party General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar and Member of Parliament Srinagar Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, expressed their profound anguish over the incident.
Mehdi, in a telephonic call to the Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar, sought assistance for those affected and urged the administration to provide relief and rehabilitation to the impacted families.
Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP) President Mehbooba Mufti expressed deep shock over the fire.
In her statement, she urged the government to allocate funds for the reconstruction of the Masjid and to provide immediate compensation to the affected families and businesses.
“Our heritage and people’s livelihoods must be protected,” she tweeted.
Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) expressed condolences and called for immediate action via Twitter.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the community. We urge authorities to ensure swift restoration and preservation of this heritage site,” read the JKPC tweet.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also conveyed deep anguish and sorrow over the devastating fire, terming it a significant loss.
He noted that the fire inflicted hardship on the community by ravaging not only the historic Masjid but also several houses and business establishments.
(KNO)