Massive fire engulfs Shiv Market near Jammu Railway Station, 35-40 shops gutted

A massive fire erupted in Shiv Market, located near Jammu Railway Station, around midnight on Monday, completely destroying approximately 35 to 40 shops. No injuries or fatalities have been reported as of now, and firefighting teams were actively working to bring the blaze under control. The origin of the fire is currently unknown.

According to BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa, the fire reportedly began due to a short circuit in one shop before rapidly spreading to neighboring establishments. Shiv Market is a thriving commercial district, housing shops selling dry fruits, blankets, eateries, and dhabas. Randhawa estimated that around 35 to 40 shops were entirely gutted by the flames by the time the fire brigade arrived.

The MLA described the firefighting efforts, noting that police personnel and senior officers were actively involved in managing the situation. The blaze quickly engulfed the entire market, and current police presence includes officers from the SHO to the SP level, who are personally involved in controlling the situation.

A local shopkeeper reported that at least 25 to 30 shops suffered total losses in the inferno and appealed for prompt compensation from the administration. The shopkeeper emphasized the immense loss, describing the market as "reduced to ashes" and urging the administration to provide immediate assistance. Randhawa stated that the full extent of the damage could only be assessed once the situation was fully under control, adding that shopkeepers were cooperating with the administration, including the deputy commissioner, SP South, DSP, SHO, and their teams. Civil society members were also contributing to relief efforts.