Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 4: Dozens of shops, three residential houses and one bank unit were gutted in a massive fire last night at Awoora area of North Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Ghulam Mohammad Dar told Excelsior that a massive inferno raged at Awoora, a mountainous village located some 10 kilometers from Main Town, last night at around 10.45 pm from a baker shop. “As per the reports I have received, the fire emerged from a baker shop and engulfed the market within no time because all the structures there are made up of wood,” he said.
The DC said that though the five fire tenders were rushed to the area but due to tough terrain, they reached late. “Also, there was shortage of water and these factors resulted in maximum damage,” he said, adding that after hectic efforts the fire was finally brought under control. The DC denied reports that 50 shops were gutted and said that only two dozen shops were gutted.
He said besides shops, three residential houses – two completely and one partially – and one Jammu and Kashmir Bank unit were gutted. “A total of 6 families have been affected due to the inferno and as interim relief, we have given each family Rs. 5000, tents and blankets. We will also see about shops and I may also visit the area tomorrow,” he said.
The Deputy Commissioner said that police have registered a case to ascertain the exact cause of the fire. “What I know is that the fire emerged from baker’s shop but what was the exact cause will be investigated by the police,” he said.
Meanwhile, SSP Kupwara Shamsheer Hussain said that action will be taken against those persons who accuse Army of being behind the fire. “We will take strict action against these persons for spreading lies,” he said, adding that police were on the spot throughout the night.
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