Bandipora, Feb 26: Bandipora MLA Nizamuddin Bhat on Thursday sought immediate financial assistance and rehabilitation support for traders affected by massive fire in the main market, saying the losses have severely impacted dozens of families dependent on small businesses.
Bhat visited the site where around 29 shops were damaged in the blaze and interacted with affected shopkeepers.
He said the local market was already facing limited commercial activity and most traders were dependent on bank loans for their livelihood. “There are nearly 39 families linked to these establishments. Multi-storeyed buildings and entire stocks have been reduced to ashes. It will take a long time for them to recover,” he said.
The MLA urged the LG administration and Chief Minister to take a sympathetic view and provide compensation beyond routine administrative provisions, stating that existing rules offer limited relief for commercial losses.
He also called for immediate settlement of insurance claims of affected traders to enable them to restart their businesses without delay. “Those who are insured should get their claims cleared at the earliest so that they receive immediate support,” he said.
Bhat appealed to the Red Cross to extend assistance within its permissible framework and support the affected families.
Stating that many of the affected shopkeepers have no alternative source of income, he said the government’s intervention was necessary to prevent long-term economic distress in the area.
The MLA also announced Rs 20 lakh in assistance for the market, subject to applicable rules governing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF). He said amendments may be required to allow greater flexibility in providing aid to fire victims and others facing similar emergencies.
Bhat appreciated the role of local youth and Fire and Emergency Services personnel for their timely response, which helped prevent the fire from spreading further.
He termed the incident a major setback for the business community and urged the authorities to ensure prompt relief, compensation and rehabilitation measures to help traders rebuild their livelihoods.
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