Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Nov 14: What began as a day of celebration suddenly turned into a disaster for students at Muslim Public High School in Srinagar’s Rajbagh area, as the fire broke out, engulfing their school and leaving them in shock and tears.
The blaze that started early in the afternoon, quickly spread to the attic and top floor of the building, reducing the cherished memories to ashes.
The students who had arrived at school filled with excitement for Children’s Day celebrations were later confronted with a scene of sorrow and fear.
Many stood with tear-streaked faces, clinging to friends and teachers as flames damaged the places where they had learned, laughed, and dreamed.
As fire-fighters rushed to the scene to battle the blaze, the students and staff were quickly evacuated to safer places, with no loss of life or injuries reported.
An official said that the fire was detected shortly after the school day began, and the call about the fire was received at about 12:31 PM.
“Fire tenders were deployed immediately, and as they arrived, they quickly contained the flames. Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities were reported, although the cause of the fire is still being investigated,” said the official.
The scenes from the school were heartbreaking, with many school bags and books thrown out onto the lawn of the school, while some students were in deep shock, wailing over the damage to their school.
“We were supposed to have a fun Children’s Day, but it became a black day for us,” said a student, tears streaming down her cheeks.
She said, “Now our school is damaged, and the hall that was reduced to ashes took all our memories.”
“It feels like our dreams and memories are reduced to ashes today,” said a local from Sonawar Srinagar, who was present in the school premises.
He mentioned that he had also studied at the same school.
Minister for Education, Sakina Masood and MLA Lal Chowk Ahsan Pardesi visited the site, extending both their sympathies and commitment to swift rebuilding.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat also arrived at the scene, moved by the tragedy that had struck these young children on their special day.
Notably, the School’s annual Children’s Day festivities were meant to remind students of the importance of their dreams and aspirations. Yet, in a tragic twist, the day instead marked an overwhelming loss, one that the valley feels deeply.
