Two Minor Siblings Die in Fire Incident
MLA Gulmarg Offers Support to Grieving Family
Suhail Khan
Tangmarg, Jan 02 : In a heart-wrenching tragedy in Tangmarg area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district two minor siblings lost their lives in a fire mishap while living in a temporary shed.
Shattered dreams and lost hope, A mother who went to the market to buy vegetables for her children returned to find that both had perished in the fire.
Reports reaching Kashmir Despatch indicate that the fire spread rapidly despite the efforts of locals who rushed to the scene to conduct a rescue operation; however, they were unable to save the children in time.
Sameer, a local, told Kashmir Despatch that when the locals heard about the fire, they all ran to help, but the flames quickly spread through the wooden structure. Despite their frantic efforts, they could not save the siblings who were inside the shed.
A police officer informed Kashmir Despatch that the police have registered a case regarding the incident; however, the immediate cause of the fire is not yet known.
The official identified both victims as Mina Ashraf, aged 4 years, and Muntazir Ashraf, aged 3 months.
Meanwhile, Tehsildar Tangmarg Syed Eyad Qadari told Kashmir Despatch that it’s a heart-wrenching incident in which two minor children lost their lives. He said that they are ascertaining the details of the cause of the fire and that their team is on it. The Tehsildar further mentioned that a rehabilitation case will be created for them, and they will be rehabilitated in a nearby government building. He assured that any assistance required under the DDMA rules will also be provided, along with any other needs they may have.
The Tehsildar also sent a message to the people, advising them to use heating gadgets, whether it’s a Bukhari or something else, with caution. He urged everyone to follow any advisories issued by the government and to remain vigilant.
Is being poor a crime? Does a poor person not have the right to live?
Mohammad Ashraf Dar, son of Ghulam Nabi Dar, from Ferozpora Tangmarg, has been running from one office to another for the past few years, exhausted from trying to address his IAY case. However, he found no justice. Instead, the suffering continued to accumulate. On Thursday, his suffering intensified in a way he may never forget when he lost his two children forever as a fire engulfed their temporary shed.
MLA Gulmarg Visits Ferozpora, Assures Support to Grieving Family After Tragic Fire Incident
Meanwhile, Expressing his deep sorrow, MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah, immediately visited the affected family along with officials from the local administration and party functionaries to assess the situation and provide assistance.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Shah said, “This devastating incident has deeply shaken me as well as the local community. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved family during this unimaginable loss. We stand with them in their time of need and grief.”
The MLA extended immediate assistance to the family and coordinated with the district administration to ensure further relief measures. He has requested the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla for granting relief under the relevant norms.
In addition, Mr. Shah has sought the intervention of the Hon’ble Chief Minister for financial support to the family under the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to help them recover from this tragedy.
Mr. Shah also urged the people to take extra precautions during the harsh winter period, emphasizing the safe use of heating equipment, whether electric or traditional, to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, Chairman of Jammu Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), Mr. Ab Qayoom Wani, has expressed deep sorrow and shock over the tragic fire incident in Ferozpora Tangmarg, Baramulla.
Wani in a statement issued to Kashmir Despatch stated its painful to note that this tragedy was preventable. The family had repeatedly applied for assistance under the IAY (Indira Awaas Yojana) scheme to secure proper shelter, but their genuine pleas were ignored,due to favoritism, nepotism, and corruption by the concerned officials, this impoverished family was compelled to live in a tin shed during the harsh winter, resulting in the devastating loss of innocent lives.
Qayoom Wani termed such incidents as blots on the face of the administration.
He stated that systemic negligence and bureaucratic apathy have cost this family dearly. It is an indictment of the governance system that a family in dire need of shelter was ignored despite their repeated requests for rightful assistance.
Mr. Wani strongly urged the Chief Minister to take this matter seriously and immediately order a time-bound inquiry to uncover the reasons behind the family’s exclusion from the IAY scheme. Those responsible for denying the family their due benefits must be held accountable and punished as per the law.
Further, Mr. Wani sated that there will be hundreds of families like these who will be suffering in one way or the and other ,wani called upon government to Immediately conduct a survey to Identify and prioritize families in such vulnerable conditions ,living in makeshift shelters or unsafe conditions and ensure such families are given adequate housing and protection against harsh weather.
Suhail Khan is a filmmaker, content writer, and freelance journalist.
