A massive fire broke out at Shiv Market, opposite Jammu Railway Station, in the early hours of Monday, gutting an estimated 35 to 40 shops and causing extensive damage to the commercial hub.

BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa said the fire reportedly started due to a short circuit in one shop before spreading rapidly to adjoining establishments. The market houses shops selling dry fruits and blankets, along with eateries and dhabas.

“It started with a short circuit in one shop, and the fire spread rapidly, engulfing surrounding shops. By the time the fire brigade arrived, the entire market had been consumed by the flames. In my estimation, about 35 to 40 shops have been completely gutted,” Randhawa told ANI.

He said the full extent of the damage could be determined only after the situation was brought completely under control.

Randhawa added that shopkeepers were cooperating with the administration as officials, including the Deputy Commissioner, SP South, DSP and SHO, were present at the site. Members of civil society were also assisting in the response.

“The shopkeepers are cooperating fully with the administration; the Deputy Commissioner (DC) is present here, as is the Superintendent of Police (SP) South, along with the DSP, the SHO, and their entire team. Members of civil society are also here, providing assistance,” he said.

On compensation for affected shopkeepers, the BJP MLA said the matter would be taken up with the administration later, emphasising that the damage caused by the fire was massive.

“Since this unfortunate incident has occurred, we will discuss compensation with the administration later, but the damage is on a massive scale...,” he said.

The cause of the fire has not been officially confirmed, and the total losses are yet to be assessed.

Source: India Today