Gurez fire: Dr Farooq calls for relief for affected families

Srinagar, Aug 30: National Conference (NC) president Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President & Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday expressed profound sorrow and concern over the devastating fire that engulfed Kashpat village in Tulail Tehsil, Gurez Valley.As per reports, around 26 structures, including homes and vital resources, were destroyed in the blaze, leaving many families in urgent need of assistance.Dr Abdullah, in a statement issued here, shared his deep anguish over the immense loss suffered by the residents of Kashpat village. “It is heart-wrenching to learn of the tragedy that has befallen the people of Gurez. The destruction of homes, agricultural resources, and essential infrastructure has left our people already facing numerous challenges in a state of distress,” he said.He urged immediate action from the authorities to ensure relief for the affected families. The NC chief called on the administration to deploy necessary resources for swift rehabilitation and provide timely relief measures, including compensation for the damages and temporary shelter for the displaced.CM Omar Abdullah, expressing his solidarity with the affected families, said, “This tragic incident has left many in Gurez devastated, and our hearts go out to all those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. In these challenging times, the government is taking steps to ensure immediate relief and support. I am confident that with the collective efforts of the government and people, Gurez will overcome this crisis. We stand with the people of Gurez, and together, we will rebuild what has been lost.”Senior party leader and MLA Gurez Nazir Ahmed Khan Gurezi has also expressed shock over the devastating blaze. He said CM Omar Abdullah has promised him that every possible help will be provided to the victims. Meanwhile, Dr Abdullah expressed sorrow and concern over the death of eleven people, including children, in two separate incidents in Reasi and Ramban following flash floods and large-scale landslides in the area.In his message, he extended condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones, homes, property, and livestock in this calamity.The NC president asked the Divisional Administration, Jammu to provide every possible help to people in this time of crisis. He requested people living in vulnerable areas to listen to the administration’s advisories and subsequently follow them religiously.