DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, Oct 26
Arun Gupta, President, Chamber of Commerce & Industry Jammu has expressed deep shock and anguish over the devastating fire incident at Shiv Market near Jammu Railway Station late night on Sunday in which reportedly gutted around 29 shops dealing in dry fruits, clothes, travel accessories and other goods.
He said that the massive fire continued till next day morning reducing the shops to ashes and causing enormous financial losses to the affected traders. The estimated losses run into crore of rupees. The unfortunate incident has not only destroyed their shops and merchandise but has also shattered the hopes and livelihoods of these small traders, who have invested their lifetime savings in building their businesses. Arun Gupta said that the affected shopkeepers are small traders and the sole breadwinners of their families. The tragedy has come at a particularly difficult time, as the festive season was about to begin and the traders had stocked their shops in anticipation of increased business. The loss of their entire stock and business establishments has pushed them into severe financial distress and uncertainty. Arun Gupta appreciates the administration especially Divisional Commissioner, Dy. Commissioner, Additional Dy. Commissioner, Tehsildars, SP, DYSP, SHO and other police officers, fire brigade personal and the member of the civil society with whose efforts the fire was brought under control and no loss of life took place in the incidents. Expressing solidarity with the affected traders, Arun Gupta appealed to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir and the District Administration, Jammu, to intervene immediately and extend all possible assistance to the victims of this unfortunate tragedy.
Arun Gupta appeal the administration to allow the effected shopkeeper to immediately reconstruct their shops so that they can earned livelihood for their families.
Arun Gupta urged the government to extend special support to the affected traders, considering that they have lost their entire stock and business at a time when the festive season was approaching.
He further stated that the Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Jammu, stands firmly with the affected traders and will continue to raise their concerns with the concerned authorities to ensure that their genuine demands receive due consideration.
