Srinagar, June 24: A massive fire erupted on Monday at Bohri Kadal in old Srinagar, gutting dozens of shops, houses, and a mosque. The fire broke out at the historical Markazi Jamia Masjid Ahil Hadees, located in the Bohri Kadal area of the city.
According to officials, the fire began on the top wooden floor of the mosque and quickly spread to the adjacent residential structures. The blaze prompted a swift response, with 19 fire tenders from various fire stations, including Babdem, Safa Kadal, HQ Srinagar, Rainawari, MR Gunj, Baba Kadal, Hazratbal, Brain Shalimar, Gaw Kadal, Nowshara, Rawalpora, Barzullah, LD, and two hydraulic platforms, along with police and local residents, rushing to the scene to combat the flames.
A fire department official reported that two firefighters sustained injuries during the operation and were subsequently taken to SMHS Hospital, where their conditions are stable.
Sources revealed that several residential structures and shops were extensively damaged in the fire. This incident marks the second time in recent months that the same mosque has suffered fire damage. While the previous incident affected only the top story of the mosque, this fire has completely destroyed all three stories of the religious structure.
The estimated loss from the fire runs into crores of rupees. In the aftermath, the police have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
DC Srinagar rushes to spot, monitors rescue operation, fire extinguishing response
As soon the news regarding fire incident at Bohri Kadal area of Shahr-e-Khaas of the District was reported, the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat rushed to the site and personally monitored the rescue operation and fire extinguishing response by firefighters to mitigate the damage.
SSP Srinagar, Aashish Mishra and other senior officers of District Administration accompanied the DC at the spot.
On the occasion, the DC expressed solidarity and sympathy with the fire affected families and assured to provide immediate assistance to them. He directed staff to be available and provide all necessary help to the fire affected families.
The DC said that fire tenders were immediately pushed in action soon after the fire erupted in a building at Bohri Kadal to control the fire from spreading to other structures and protect human lives.
He instructed the concerned to assess the damage caused to the structures and provide immediate assistance to the victims of the fire incident.
While expressing shock over the damage, he assured that the District Administration will provide all the help to the affected families.
