Jammu, Nov 12 (KNO): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday visited fire-affected Warehouse, Nehru Market and Shiv Market in Jammu to assess the damage caused to shops in recent fire incidents and announced immediate relief of Rs 1 lakh each for affected shopkeepers through the Red Cross.
During the visit, the Lieutenant Governor, per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), interacted with affected shopkeepers and members of the trade and business community, listened to their concerns and reviewed the extent of losses along with senior officials.
Sinha said that although he had no relief funds at his disposal, he had sought assistance through the Red Cross in his capacity as its President. He said cheques of Rs 1 lakh each had been arranged, which was the maximum assistance permissible under the rules.
“I understand that this amount is very small compared to the losses you have endured, but I hope it provides at least some help during this difficult time. In the meantime, Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Deputy Commissioner Jammu are making every effort to ensure that you receive your insurance claims as soon as possible,” he said.
Immediate financial assistance of Rs 11 lakh has been provided to affected shopkeepers at Warehouse, while Rs 27 lakh has been given to those affected at Shiv Market.
The Lieutenant Governor directed officials to expedite the damage assessment process and ensure prompt relief to all affected. He also stressed the need to review and strengthen fire safety protocols across major commercial hubs to prevent such incidents in the future.
“The entire UT administration stands with you. I assure the business community of all possible support from the Administration to help you rebuild your business at the earliest,” he said.
Sinha has already constituted an inquiry committee comprising the Inspector General of Police, Jammu, and the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, to ascertain the cause and circumstances of the fire at Warehouse, Nehru Market.
The committee has been directed to probe any lapses or negligence, fix responsibility and submit its report within 15 days.
The Lieutenant Governor said the inquiry would be completely impartial and accountability would be fixed, adding that strict action would be taken if any negligence was established.
He was accompanied by DGP Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Govind Jaiswal, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Vikas Kundal, DIG JSK Range Shridhar Patil, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Minga Sherpa, Municipal Commissioner Jammu Aayushi Sudan, JDA Vice Chairman Vidhu Shekhar and other senior officials—(KNO)