Government to Explore Relief for Jammu Market Fire Victims

JAMMU, October 29: The Jammu and Kashmir Government will explore special financial assistance for traders whose shops were gutted in a massive fire at Shiva Market near Jammu Railway Station, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said on Thursday, assuring affected shopkeepers of support to help them rebuild their businesses and restore their livelihoods.

The fire broke out early Sunday, destroying around 40 shops and leaving a busy commercial stretch in ruins. The incident caused substantial losses to traders who had stocked merchandise ahead of Diwali and other festive occasions.

Deputy CM Visits Fire-Hit Market

Choudhary visited the affected market on the directions of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and interacted with shopkeepers to assess the damage and understand their concerns. He said many of the affected traders belonged to middle-class families who had invested their savings in their businesses.

The Deputy Chief Minister acknowledged that assistance available under existing government guidelines might not adequately cover the losses suffered by the traders. He said the administration would examine the possibility of providing additional relief on a special-case basis.

He also stressed that the government could not promise complete compensation for all losses but would extend cooperation to the extent possible to help shopkeepers restart their businesses.

Meeting with Chief Minister Proposed

Choudhary said he would arrange a meeting between the affected traders and the Chief Minister to discuss their demands and possible relief measures. He also proposed discussions with the Jammu Deputy Commissioner and the Vice-Chairman of the Jammu Development Authority at the Secretariat to explore options for assisting the affected businesses.

The Deputy Chief Minister urged shopkeepers to prepare a memorandum outlining their losses and demands and submit it during the proposed meeting. The administration will need to examine the available options before any additional assistance can be confirmed.

Heavy Losses Ahead of Festive Season

The timing of the fire has added to the financial burden on traders, many of whom had purchased goods in preparation for Diwali, Vishwakarma Puja and Bhai Dooj.

Choudhary cited the case of a trader who had reportedly purchased merchandise worth Rs 50 lakh just two days before the blaze, highlighting the scale of the losses. The fire also caused extensive structural damage to the affected shops.

He said traders could undertake minor repairs to their establishments ahead of Diwali, which falls on November 8.

Traders Await Further Action

The affected shopkeepers are now looking towards the government for assistance as they assess their losses and consider how to resume operations. Any additional financial support will depend on the outcome of consultations and the applicable rules.

The incident has renewed attention on the vulnerability of small businesses to major fires and the financial difficulties faced by traders when their shops and stock are destroyed.