MLA Mehraj Malik Seeks Compensation for Fire-Hit Traders, Demands Probe into Alleged Fire Service Delay
JAMMU, October 26, 2026 (VoM News): Doda MLA Mehraj Malik has urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to provide immediate compensation to traders whose shops were gutted in a major fire at Shiv Market near Jammu Railway Station on Monday. He has also sought an impartial inquiry into the alleged delay in the response of Fire and Emergency Services.
In a letter to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah dated October 26, Malik said the fire had caused losses worth crores of rupees and destroyed the livelihoods of several traders. He called for compensation proportionate to the actual losses suffered by the affected shopkeepers.
Malik also raised concerns over reports that fire services took around one-and-a-half hours to reach the site despite being located approximately five minutes away. He said a timely response could have helped save shops and limited the damage.
The MLA urged the government to order a time-bound inquiry to establish the circumstances behind the reported delay and fix responsibility if negligence was found.
He further called for strict action against officials found responsible and said recovery of losses attributable to negligence should be examined under applicable rules and law.
Earlier reports said around 30 to 40 shops were gutted in the blaze. Preliminary findings suggested that a short circuit may have triggered the fire, which spread to adjoining establishments. Firefighters reportedly faced difficulties due to the market’s narrow approach.
About the Author
Ashiq Butt - is VoM News's senior staffer worked since year 2015 and he deals with correspondency and social media handles. Hailing from Doda's Marmat, Ashiq has strong grip over the collection of the data and it's compiling feature.
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