Tangmarg fire incident needs time bound investigation: JKCSF

Srinagar, Jan 2: Chairman of Jammu Kashmir Civil Society Forum (JKCSF), Abdul Qayoom Wani, has expressed deep sorrow and shock over the tragic fire incident in Ferozpora Tangmarg, Baramulla, where two minor siblings, Mina Ashraf and Muntazir Ashraf, lost their lives.

In a statement, he said the incident needs time bound investigation. Wani extended heartfelt condolences to the grieving family of Mohammad Ashraf Dar, calling this incident a collective tragedy for the region.

Wani stated its painful to note that this tragedy was preventable. “The family had repeatedly applied for assistance under the IAY (Indira Awaas Yojana) scheme to secure proper shelter, but their genuine pleas were ignored, due to favouritism, nepotism, and corruption by the concerned officials, this impoverished family was compelled to live in a tin shed during the harsh winter, resulting in the devastating loss of innocent lives,” he said.

Qayoom Wani termed such incidents as blots on the face of the administration. He stated that systemic negligence and bureaucratic apathy have cost this family dearly. “It is an indictment of the governance system that a family in dire need of shelter was ignored despite their repeated requests for rightful assistance,” he added.

Wani strongly urged the Chief Minister to take this matter seriously and immediately order a time-bound inquiry to uncover the reasons behind the family’s exclusion from the IAY scheme. Those responsible for denying the family their due benefits must be held accountable and punished as per the law.