Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 23: An overnight fire in the Hyhama area of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district destroyed nearly 11 structures, including five residential houses.
According to officials, the fire broke out around midnight and quickly spread, engulfing five residential houses, three shops, and cowsheds. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported.
The Army was the first to respond, followed by fire tenders from various locations, including Payerpora, HQ Kupwara, Trehgam, Drugmulla, and Tekipora, which were mobilized to douse the flames.
After several hours, the fire was finally brought under control with the assistance of the Army, police, Fire Services, and local residents. “By the time the fire was brought under control, extensive damage had already been done.”
While locals suggested that the fire was caused by a short circuit, officials have yet to determine the exact cause.
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Early in the morning, the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kupwara, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, visited the area and provided emergency relief items to the affected families.
Speaking with reporters, Mir said he had met with the Deputy Commissioner of Kupwara, who assured him that necessary compensation would be provided to the affected families.
Mir also demanded that the Government offer compensation as was done for the Kishtwar fire victims and assured the families that their homes would be rebuilt.
“I will meet the Chief Minister and seek financial assistance from the CM’s relief fund, as was done for Kishtwar,” he said.
Locals also called for immediate compensation to help the families who had lost their homes and were forced to live under the open sky, especially with winter approaching.
“We don’t know how this all happened. Now people are saying that a short circuit occurred in one of the shops, sparking a massive fire. We have lost everything and are solely relying on what the Government provides,” said Abdul Samad, a local whose house was damaged in the fire.
Meanwhile, Apni Party president Mohammad Altaf Bukhari also expressed sympathies with the fire victims, urging the administration to ensure swift compensation for the families left homeless.
“The administration must ensure adequate assistance and compensation for the families rendered homeless. They must be compensated swiftly so they can rebuild their homes and businesses before the harsh winter starts,” he said.
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