Diwali celebrations turned into a night of distress for traders in Jammu after a massive fire broke out at the city’s historic Warehouse Nehru Market on Sunday night, November 8, destroying several shops and causing substantial financial losses.
The blaze erupted in the C-Block of the market near Bikram Chowk, one of Jammu’s major wholesale commercial hubs. The fire spread rapidly to adjoining shops and warehouses, reportedly affecting around 15 commercial establishments, according to initial reports. Large stocks of foodgrains, edible oil, ghee and other merchandise were destroyed in the incident.
Fire and Emergency Services personnel rushed to the spot and launched an extensive firefighting operation. Multiple fire tenders were deployed from different stations to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby establishments. No casualties were reported in the incident.
The incident has left affected shopkeepers facing serious financial difficulties, with traders appealing to the government for an immediate assessment of the losses and adequate compensation to help them resume their businesses.
Following the incident, several political leaders visited the affected market to assess the damage and interact with distressed traders. Cabinet Minister Javed Rana, Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti were among those who visited the fire-hit area.
During their interactions with the affected shopkeepers, the leaders heard their concerns and demands for financial assistance. Mehbooba Mufti expressed solidarity with the traders, highlighting the enormous losses suffered by business owners and the difficulties they would face in restarting their establishments without government support.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary also visited the market along with Javed Rana and assured the affected traders that their grievances would be conveyed to the Chief Minister. The government representatives indicated that the incident, including concerns raised over the firefighting response, would be examined.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed the district administration to provide immediate relief and necessary assistance to those affected by the fire.
Meanwhile, the Warehouse Traders Association raised concerns over the alleged delay in the arrival of fire tenders, claiming that an earlier response could have helped prevent the flames from spreading to more establishments. Fire department officials, however, maintained that teams were dispatched promptly and additional vehicles were mobilised from other stations.
The exact cause of the fire and the final extent of the financial losses are yet to be officially established.
For the affected traders, the immediate priority remains securing government assistance, assessing the destroyed inventory and rebuilding businesses that represent years of hard work and investment.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of effective fire safety arrangements and emergency preparedness in Jammu’s densely packed commercial markets, particularly during major festive occasions.