KISHTWAR.: Former Minister Ghulam Mohammad Saroori visited Ganai Mohalla, Durbeil, where a devastating fire recently engulfed a two-story house, leaving the affected families in severe distress. Saroori met with the victims and expressed deep sympathy over their tragic loss. He highlighted the dire situation of Abdul Rashid Wani's family, whose house and all belongings, including jewelry and household items gathered for an upcoming wedding, were completely destroyed in the blaze.
The fire caused significant damage, destroying the two-story home and consuming all possessions, including wedding preparations, utensils, and gold jewelry. This incident has plunged the family into financial hardship, turning joyous wedding plans into a distressing ordeal.
Saroori appealed to the government to provide at least âč10 lakh in financial assistance to the affected family to help them rebuild their lives. He stressed the urgency of addressing the family's immediate needs and called for measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The former minister criticized the Public Works Department (R&B) for their negligence in maintaining the local road infrastructure. He noted that the delay in extinguishing the fire was due to the inability of the fire brigade to reach the location promptly because a road wall had been in a dilapidated state for six months.
Saroori emphasized the need to station fire brigade vehicles in areas such as Chatroo, Mughal Maidan, Kahara, Keshwan, and Bunjwah to ensure preparedness for emergencies. He recalled that a fire brigade vehicle was temporarily provided in the area but was later removed, leaving residents vulnerable to such incidents.
Saroori was accompanied by a delegation of prominent individuals, including Tariq Wani, Ali Mohammad, Shabir Lone, Mohammad Ramzan, Kauser Hussain, Zakir Hussain, Rayees Ganai, and Baber Khan. The delegation expressed solidarity with the affected family and demanded swift action from the government to address the situation.
The delegation urged the government to prioritize permanent fire brigade services in the region, repair the roads, and provide immediate financial aid to the affected families. Saroori highlighted the necessity of proactive measures to alleviate the suffering of the local population and prevent future disasters.
