Around one lakh books turned to ashes after fire damages library in south Kashmir's Anantnag

Srinagar, May 10: A fire incident at the library of Islamic Research Institute in south Kashmir's Anantnag has reduced around one-lakh books to ashes. Hundreds of them were rare books.

Known for its collection of rare books of different genres, the library served as a beacon of knowledge for decades. Its destruction has left the people of the district in the state of mourning even as it has severely impeded the preservation of local literature.

Noted Preacher and Principal Islamic Research Institute popularly known as Idara Tahqeeqat-e-Islami, Moulana Irshad Hydari Attari told news agency KNO that the loss of these irreplaceable books has left a void in the community. He also underscored the importance of safeguarding our heritage for future generations.

He said that there were around 1 lakh books in the library but they couldn't even save a single page and all the books got reduced to ashes.

He said that there were hundreds of books that were available only in this library and “we have lost these books forever.”

Moulana said that Islamic research institute that was started in around 1984 has suffered a loss of around one crore as the third floor has completely got damaged.

He appealed to the general public to donate generously for the reconstruction of the institute.