Omar promises aid to Sonamarg shopkeepers after devastating fire

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Sonamarg on Tuesday, where a devastating fire last week damaged dozens of shops in the resort town. The CM toured the affected area to assess the damage and express solidarity with the impacted shopkeepers.

Accompanied by Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Kangan Mian Meher Ali, and Ganderbal Deputy Commissioner Jatin Kishore, Abdullah interacted with members of the Sonamarg Market Association. He extended his sympathies to the traders and assured them of the government’s full support.

During the visit, the Chief Minister emphasised his government’s commitment to assisting the affected traders and taking swift measures to prevent such incidents in the future. Abdullah later chaired a high-level meeting with the Sonamarg Market Association.

The traders presented several key demands, including immediate financial assistance, permission for shop reconstruction, and the establishment of a permanent fire service station in Sonamarg. Responding to these concerns, Abdullah stated that the reconstruction process would follow a well-planned design, developed in consultation with stakeholders such as the Tourism Department, District Administration, and SDA. This approach, he assured, would prevent similar incidents in the future.