Furniture Factory, Five Residential Houses Gutted
Suhail Khan
Baramulla, Dec. 4: Around 40 employees were jobless in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district after their working factory was gutted in a fire mishap.
The massive fire that broke out in the Kanlibagh area of Baramulla destroyed a furniture factory, leaving around 40 people unemployed and causing property damage worth crores of rupees.
According to an official from the fire service department, the fire originated in a furniture factory owned by Farooq Ahmad Najar and soon engulfed the houses of Farooq Ahmad Shiekh, Fayaz Ahmad Shiekh, Mohd Shafi Mir, and Sep Firdaus Ahmad Mir (retired) of 161 Inf Bn TA, located on Kanlibagh Baba Reshi Road.
Fayaz Ahmad, an eyewitness, expressed his concern over the loss and said that the furniture factory provided employment to 40 educated youth in the area. He appealed to the administration, particularly the industrial sector, to support these jobless youths during this difficult time.
Fayaz said that it’s a big loss to the Baramulla. Despite accommodating 40 youth amidst a job crisis, this factory was playing an important role in helping not only 40 youth but 40 families.
The factory owner, Farooq Ahmad Najar, while talking to Kashmir Despatch, said that during dinner time, his entire family was inside the kitchen when he received a message from one of his daughters. He said that, in a hurry, I went outside only to witness fire engulfing the surroundings. In a desperate attempt, I initially tried to remove the gas cylinders, but within 15 minutes, everything turned into ashes.
He mentioned that, although the fire service department arrived, they were unable to salvage anything. Sadly, not a single item was saved, and everything was lost in the fire, Farooq added.
Acknowledging the power of the Almighty, he expressed his desire to reverse the incident and regain what was lost. However, he also expressed gratitude to Allah for ensuring the safety and survival of all the individuals present.
Farooq appealed to the industrial sector for assistance in providing him with a piece of land. His intention is to establish a new unit that would offer job opportunities to his employees who are currently unemployed as a result of this tragic fire accident.
Javeed Bhat, President of the Industrial Estate, took to Kashmir Despatch to emphasize the need to find new job opportunities for the affected youth and their families to prevent any further hardship.
He also commended the efforts of the local youths, who helped in controlling the fire and preventing further damage.
Omar Kakroo, former President of MC Baramulla, described the incident as unfortunate and urged the DC Baramulla to provide compensation to the victims. He also called for assistance in finding accommodation for the homeless families during the harsh winter.
Kakroo expressed his appreciation for the prompt action taken by the various departments involved in controlling the fire.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
