35 shops, 5 houses gutted in Bandipora

Srinagar, January 3 (KMS): Devastated fire destroyed around 25 shops and 5 houses in the main market of Bandipore, caused billions Rupees of loss.

The fire started near the Gulshan Chowk and it spread to the entire Khadim Market. By the time the shopkeepers managed to inform the fire department, the flames engulfed about 35 shops and five houses.

“The fire melted the shutters of shops and the roofs of all shops have collapsed. I had four shops in the market selling utensils, hardware and other material. There were goods worth over one crore rupees in the shops,” said Bashir Ahmed, a local shopkeeper

Two fire service personnel and two policemen including SHO Bandipora Abdul Khalid were injured in the operation. Locals blamed administration for negligence. People blamed Irrigation department for negligence in maintaining the channel which passes through the market. Angry shopkeepers also attacked Deputy Commissioner by hurling firepots (Kangris) at him following which the officer was moved to safe place by police.

The Khadim Market had mainly hardware, hosiery and general material shops. “It was difficult to bring the fire under control. The items stacked in shops were highly inflammable. Although the fire has been brought under control, it is still smoldering,” said station officer of the fire department.

Source: Kashmir Media Service (KMS).
Link: http://www.kmsnews.org/news/35-shops-5-houses-gutted-bandipora.