Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, Dec 24: Massive forest fire in Kalaban area Mendhar sub division has created panic among the people of three hamlets.
Reports reaching here said that the fire spread in the dense forests of Kalaban area of Mankote last evening. It went on spreading in more and more area during the day today. As the fire reached near some habitations during the day, it created panic among the villagers.
The people of the area informed Forest Range officer Mendhar and DFO Poonch and sought help. They also informed nearby Army units. The field Forest officials and the villagers were fighting the fire when the last reports came in. No loss of human life was reported . The fire had been contained by evening. The green gold has suffered extensive damage due to devastating fire.