Fire renders 28 families homeless in old town Baramulla

Baramulla, Mar 25: A devastating fire at Jalal Sahib area of old town Baramulla on Monday evening left 14 residential houses completely gutted while 28 families were also rendered homeless.

The charred remains of the homes stand as a stark reminder of the destruction, with narrow lanes filled with burnt debris.

"The blaze has devastated us. We are left with nothing," said Fayaz Ahmad, the head of one of the affected families.

On Tuesday, members of Baramulla’s civil society, which includes Traders Federation Baramulla, Auqaf-e-islamia Baramulla Sikh organization, and the local Pandit community members visited the site, offering solace and urging people across Jammu and Kashmir to help in the rehabilitation efforts.

"We appeal to the people to donate generously so that these families can rebuild their lives," said Tariq Ahmad Mughloo, President of the Baramulla Traders Federation.

The scale of loss is unimaginable. Among the victims, one family had carefully saved gold and clothing for their four daughters' weddings—now all reduced to ashes. Another family, dependent on a street vendor as their only breadwinner has been left in despair.

Abdul Rashid, another victim, while sharing his helplessness, said, "How can I restart my life with no assistance? We live from hand to mouth. Rebuilding a house is beyond possible for us."

The fire victims are hoping that the people and government will extend their support. "Their only hope lies in the generosity of those willing to extend a helping hand in their time of need," said Khalid Jan, President Mohalla Jalal Sahib.