Locals demand compensation

PULWAMA: Eleven structures including eight shops were damaged in a massive blaze, which broke out on late Friday in Parigam village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Locals told Kashmir Reader that the fire broke out during the intervening night of Friday and Saturday at Parigam, resulting in complete damage to 8 shops and 3 other structures.
The official said that as the fire broke out, fire and emergency services from Pulwama and Kakapora were deputed to the spot to douse off the flames, however, by the time they reached the spot eight shops, a Darasgah on the second story and other structures were already gutted by massive blaze.
Fire and emergency department Pulwama officials told Kashmir Reader that a call about the blaze was received around 12.39 am, following which fire tenders were rushed to the spot.
When fire tenders reached the spot, many structures were on fire.
The burnt properties include a Common Services Centre (CSC), Readymade shop, cattle feed shop and a Cement shop all belonging to one,Fida Umar Sheikh of Parigam.
A medical shop, a footwear shop, a godown, and a seminary were also damaged in the incident. The fire victims appealed to the administration, district level authorities for compensation.
They said he had established the shops after taking a loan. They appealed to authorities to pay compensation to him so that he can stand on his foots again.
The cause of the fire was not immediately known. However no loss of life or injury was reported in the incident.

BILAL HABIB