20 houses gutted in Anantnag fire, minister meets victims

More than 20 houses were gutted in a massive fire in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, officials said on Friday.

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A J&K government spokesperson said Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Friday visited Anantnag to express solidarity with the families affected by devastating fire incident on Thursday in the congested old town of Kadipora. Officials said 45 families have been impacted by the fire.

While interacting with the affected families, the minister assured them all possible assistance from the government.

“On the directions of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, my team of MLAs is here to stand in solidarity with you. Our government will provide you all possible support and assistance to overcome this loss,” she said.

The minister added that the Chief Minister is personally monitoring the relief measures and was in constant contact with the district administration from last night to gather ground details of this devastating fire incident.

“The tragic loss suffered by fire-affected families is heart-wrenching and cannot be compensated in words. But our government is with you in this hour of distress and will ensure that all necessary aid and support reaches you without delay,” she said.

The minister also urged the Deputy Commissioner to expedite the rehabilitation process. She emphasised on the need for immediate relief, including temporary shelter, food supplies and financial aid to help the victims rebuild their lives.

She also called upon the district administration to conduct a thorough assessment of damages and provide swift compensation to the affected households.

Itoo assured them that the government would look out for the possibility for decongesting this locality, besides fire safety infrastructure in the locality would also be enhanced.

Later, the minister also chaired a meeting with senior officers where she impressed upon the Deputy Commissioner to ensure temporary shelter facilities for these fire-affected families.

She asked the district administration to arrange suitable bedding and other essential things for these victims.

The minister further called upon the district administration for immediate assessment of the losses and to make swift arrangements for due assistance to affected families.