Bandipora: At least 13 shops were damaged in a fire that broke out in the main market of Bandipora during the wee hours of Thursday, officials said.
An official said fire tenders from Bandipora and nearby areas rushed to the spot soon after the blaze erupted. Personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police and local youths also joined the firefighting operation.
Despite timely efforts, the fire spread rapidly, prompting reinforcement from nearby fire stations, including Ajas. After hours of strenuous firefighting, the flames were brought under control.
Goods and property worth crores of rupees were destroyed in the incident. However, no loss of life or injuries was reported.
Officials said the cause of the fire was not immediately known. Police have taken cognisance of the incident and started an investigation.
Meanwhile, the president of the Trade Federation Bandipora expressed grief over the incident and extended solidarity with the affected traders. He urged the district administration to provide immediate relief and compensation to the victims.
Nizamuddin Bhat, who visited the affected market, termed the incident unfortunate and said the financial loss would burden the traders for a long time.
He said two- and three-storey structures, along with household belongings of several families, were reduced to ashes. He appealed to the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to assess the losses and provide adequate financial assistance through government and banking channels.