JAMMU, November 3, 2026 – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday visited the fire-ravaged Shiv Market near the Jammu Railway Station to personally take stock of the situation following a devastating blaze that gutted dozens of shops and caused extensive damage to commercial property.
During his on-ground inspection, the Chief Minister assessed the immense losses suffered by the local trading community and interacted directly with the affected shopkeepers to understand their immediate concerns and difficulties. Expressing deep concern over the massive destruction of livelihood and business assets, Abdullah assured the traders that his government would extend all possible administrative and financial assistance to help them overcome the crisis and rebuild their businesses.
The massive fire, which broke out late into the night last week, raged for several hours and engulfed approximately 40 shops, reducing goods and infrastructure worth crores of rupees to ashes.
Arun Gupta, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Jammu, was present during the visit and briefed the Chief Minister extensively about the severe financial blow dealt to the shopkeepers. Gupta highlighted the urgent need for a time-bound rehabilitation plan and transparent assessment of the ruined assets.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation to expedite the relief coordination. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary and Minister for Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction (DMRRR) Ali Mohammad Sagar joined the CM on the ground.
Also present were key bureaucratic officials, including Acting Chief Secretary Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary Estates M. Raju, and Secretary Revenue Avny Lavasa, signaling the administration’s intent to fast-track the rehabilitation process for the grieving traders.
Published by True Roots Media Network