Arshad Farooq
Baramulla, Mar 25: A massive fire in the Jalal Sahib area of Old Town Baramulla on Monday evening reduced 14 residential houses to ashes, rendering 28 families homeless.
The aftermath of the fire paints a grim picture, with charred remains of homes and narrow lanes filled with burnt debris.
“The blaze has devastated us. We are left with nothing,” lamented Fayaz Ahmad, the head of one of the affected families.
On Tuesday, members of Baramulla’s civil society, including the Traders Federation Baramulla, Auqaf-e-Islamia Baramulla, Sikh organizations, and the local Pandit community, visited the site to offer solace and urge people across Jammu and Kashmir to contribute to rehabilitation efforts.
“We appeal to the people to donate generously so that these families can rebuild their lives,” said Tariq Ahmad Mughloo, President of the Baramulla Traders Federation.
The loss is immeasurable. Among the victims, one family had saved gold and clothing for their four daughters’ weddings—now reduced to ashes. Another family, dependent on a street vendor as their sole breadwinner, has been left in despair.
“How can I restart my life with no assistance? We live from hand to mouth. Rebuilding a house is beyond possible for us,” said a victim.
