House damaged in fire at Bani

A residential house in flames at Bani on Monday. -Excelsior/Pardeep
A residential house in flames at Bani on Monday. -Excelsior/Pardeep

Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Jan 9: Another fire incident took place at Sarthali of Bani area in Kathua district this afternoon. But the timely action by police, Army and local public saved the adjoining property from getting engulfed in fire.
As per police reports a fire incident took place in upper floor of a residential house of Qamar Din son of Akbar Ali Bhatt of Gatti (Sarthali) in Bani marker. The upper storey of the house was completely destroyed in the blaze but no loss of life and live stocks took place due to timely action as fire has been controlled with the help of police, Army, local administration and people. After getting information, SHO Bani, Jasbinder Singh along with police team reached on the spot and started rescue operation. The house -hold articles brunt into the fire and there was huge loss of property. This is the fourth such fire incident that took place within a fortnight and owner suffered huge loss of property.
Meanwhile ex MLA, Jeewan Lal Lehal and social activist, Mudasar Ali has demanded immediate relief to the affected family and assessment of his loss. They said that the Government should take effective measures in overcoming devastating fire incidents in the Bani area besides sanctioning a fire tender for the Bani to be stationed at tehsil Headquarters. They said despite repeated requests the Government failed to take effective steps in this regard.