Sajid Raina
Bandipora, Dec 1: At least 10 houses were gutted in a massive fire in Tatri-Kilshay village of Tulail in Gurez area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district late last night, officials said on Wednesday.
The officials said that at least 10 residential houses were completely gutted in the fire that broke out on the intervening night of Tuesday-Wednesday in the village.
Several families were rendered homeless, losing all their belongings in the blaze, they said.
They said that the fire erupted from one of the residential houses in the village and engulfed the surrounding houses within no time.
“The cause of the fire is yet to be known. There was however, no loss of human life reported in the incident,” officials said.
Meanwhile, a police official said that they have taken cognizance of the matter and have started an investigation to ascertain the actual cause of the fire.
The locals meanwhile urged the district administration for immediate compensation and relief to the affected families.
“All our belongings have been burnt to ashes. We are seeking help from the administration,” they said, adding that they will not be able to describe how difficult it is to build a new house in this remote area.
Some videos of the fire showing local families struggling to put down the flames during midnight have gone viral on social media.
Meanwhile the district administration in an official handout said that as per the preliminary reports from the field, 14 structures, comprising 10 families, have been completely damaged.
“The exact details of damages/families affected including partial damages, if any, shall be shared separately in due course of time, ” it said, adding that the Sub Divisional Administration of Gurez is on job to assist the affected families.
They said that additional immediate relief consisting of blankets, utensils, food kits and cash assistance has been dispatched through a district team headed by Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Bandipora.
“Process for assessment of losses/damages has also been initiated by a team of concerned officers from Revenue, Animal & Sheep Husbandry Departments for providing of comprehensive relief as per SDRF norms,” the administration said, adding that temporary rehabilitation/ shifting shall also be arranged wherever required.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on its official twitter said that a devastating fire has gutted a large number of structures in Tatri Kilshay village of Tulail .
“Hapless people are crying out for help. Urge administration to reach out to the needy and suitably rehabilitate/compensate them,” the PDP said.
Former Chief Minister and NC vice-president Omar Abdullah also termed the incident very unfortunate. “I hope the local administration reaches out & helps these people with relief & assistance, especially as winter is very tough in this area. cc @OfficeOfLGJandK,” he said.
