Massive Fire Destroys Property Worth Lakhs in Kishtwar’s Bunjwah, Blaze Rekindles Demands for Fire and Emergency Station
SHAFQAT SHEIKH
Kishtwar, Oct 20, KNT: A devastating fire in the Bunjwah region of Kishtwar district reduced property worth several lakhs of rupees to ashes during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, leaving locals in shock and sparking renewed demands for the establishment of a dedicated Fire and Emergency Service station in the area.
The fire broke out around 1 a.m. in the hamlet of Chakroon, Binoon Bunjwah, and rapidly engulfed commercial cum residential structure owned by local businessman Mohammad Shafi Khan. The flames spread swiftly, destroying multiple properties including two shops rented by trader Imtiyaz Hussain Naik, a well-known figure in the locality.
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Witnesses said Naik’s general store and grocery shop, both vital to the local community, were completely gutted within an hour. “We tried everything to control the fire, but there was no immediate firefighting help available,” said a local resident to the news agency Kashmir News Trust.
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Thick smoke and the crackling of timber filled the night as locals worked tirelessly to save what they could. However, the absence of firefighting support rendered their efforts futile. By dawn, only charred remains of the shops and adjoining structures were left.
This incident has reignited anger among the locals, who accuse the authorities of indifference toward their long-standing demand for a fire service station in Bunjwah. They recalled that in 2005, a massive blaze had destroyed the historic Jamia Masjid and several shops in the same area, yet the government failed to set up permanent firefighting infrastructure despite repeated assurances.
“The administration only visits after the loss is done. We have been pleading for years for a fire station, but nothing changes,” lamented a shopkeeper from Binoon.
Locals said the recurring fires highlight a serious lack of preparedness and infrastructure. The absence of fire hydrants, firefighting vehicles, and trained personnel continues to put lives and property at risk. They appealed to the government to treat this incident as a wake-up call and ensure that a Fire and Emergency Station is established in Bunjwah without further delay.
They also urged authorities to conduct safety awareness programs and regular drills to prevent future tragedies. [KNT]
