Associated News Bureau

LG Manoj Sinha Announces Rs 1 Lakh Red Cross Relief for Each Fire-Hit Shopkeeper in Jammu; Orders 15-Day Probe

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 12: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday visited the fire-affected commercial establishments at Warehouse, Nehru Market and Shiv Market in Jammu to assess the damage caused by recent fire incidents and review the situation with affected traders. During the visit, the Lieutenant Governor interacted with shopkeepers and representatives of the business community, heard their grievances and took stock of the losses in the presence of senior officials. As immediate assistance, the Lieutenant Governor announced ₹1 lakh in Red Cross relief for each affected shopkeeper at Warehouse, Nehru Market and Shiv Market. Financial assistance amounting to Rs 11 lakh has already been extended to affected traders at Warehouse, while Rs 27 lakh has been provided to those affected at Shiv Market. Acknowledging that the assistance was modest compared to the losses suffered, Sinha said that, despite having no relief funds at his disposal, he had approached the Red Cross Society in his capacity as its President to facilitate immediate financial support. He said the Red Cross had arranged cheques of Rs 1 lakh each, representing the maximum assistance permissible under its rules. He also assured the traders that the Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner Jammu were making efforts to facilitate the early settlement of insurance claims. The Lieutenant Governor directed the concerned authorities to expedite the assessment of damages and ensure timely relief to all affected shopkeepers. He also stressed the need to review and strengthen fire safety arrangements across major commercial establishments to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. Reaffirming the Administration's support, Sinha said the entire Union Territory Administration stood firmly with the affected business community and assured all possible assistance to enable traders to resume their business activities at the earliest. Meanwhile, the Lieutenant Governor has constituted an inquiry committee comprising the Inspector General of Police, Jammu, and the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, to investigate the causes and circumstances surrounding the fire at Warehouse, Nehru Market. The committee has been directed to examine possible lapses or negligence, fix responsibility wherever warranted and submit its findings within 15 days. Sinha emphasized that the inquiry would be conducted in a completely impartial manner and that accountability would be ensured. He made it clear that strict action would follow if any negligence was established. The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by Director General of Police 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 officers. ANB