Bandipora, May 19: A massive fire broke out late Sunday night in the main market area of Sumbal in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district, leaving at least 12 shops and four residential houses completely damaged, officials confirmed on Monday.
According to reports, fire engines from Sumbal and Naidkhai were immediately dispatched after the blaze erupted. Local residents and Jammu and Kashmir Police also joined the firefighting operation. As the fire intensified, additional support was called in from Safapora and Batwina fire stations.
After several hours of effort, firefighters were able to bring the flames under control. While the quick response helped save assets worth crores, property worth several lakhs was destroyed in the incident.
The affected homes were owned by Bashir Ahmad Wani, Abdul Hameed Wani, Abdul Hameed Khanday, and Nazir Ahmad Khanday, all residents of Sumbal.
Officials said the exact cause of the fire is still unknown. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the incident. Police have begun investigating the matter.
Nazir Ahmad Reshi, President of the Trade Federation Sumbal, expressed grief over the tragedy and stood in support of the affected shopkeepers and families.
He appealed to the District Administration Bandipora to provide immediate assistance and financial compensation to those who suffered losses.
