STATE TIMES NEWS
Banihal: A fire broke out in a vegetable and fruit market with dozens of shops gutted in the Banihal area of Ramban district on Monday, officials said. There was no loss of life in the blaze, they said.
Locals, police, fire tenders and army personnel rushed to the spot and launched an operation to control the fire, they said.
The fire began at a kiosk in the market and quickly engulfed the entire market, making the operation to extinguish fire very difficult, officials said.
The fire was subsequently brought under control but dozens of tin and wooden sheds used by vendors were gutted in the fire, they said.
Meanwhile, National Conference leader and district president Ramban Sajjad Shaheen has expressed grief over the damage to property in a massive fire incident at vegetable market Banihal.
Shaheen has urged upon the authorities to ensure adequate compensation and rehabilitation of the affected persons. It is imperative that those impacted by this calamity receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives and businesses.
In addition to seeking immediate relief measures, Shaheen calls for a thorough magisterial inquiry into the circumstances leading to the fire incident. “Understanding the root causes is crucial to implementing preventive measures and safeguarding against future tragedies,”he added.
He has extended his solidarity and support to the affected individuals during this trying time. He urged the authorities to expedite the process of relief and rehabilitation to alleviate the suffering of those affected.
He said that there is an immediate need of establishing well-equipped fire service stations across the district, adding that in hilly areas such stations should be opened at block level.
Shaheen has reiterated his demand for upgradation of Fire station Banihal besides setting up of fire service stations at Khari, Mahoo, Ramsoo, Neel, Ukharhal to cater to the needs of the people in their respective areas.
