Bandipora, Feb 26 (JKNS): Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF), through its Chairman Abrar Ahmed Khan, President Hilal Ahmad Mandu, and District President Shamshad Ahmad, has expressed profound grief and anguish over the devastating fire incident that engulfed the main market of Bandipora early this morning.
The catastrophic blaze has resulted in the complete destruction of 20 business establishments, pushing dozens of traders and their families into severe financial distress. Terming the incident a “heart-wrenching tragedy,” the KTMF leadership stated that decades of hard work and the primary livelihoods of the affected traders have been reduced to ashes.
KTMF strongly urges J&K Bank and all other financial institutions to grant an immediate moratorium on bank loans, including suspension of EMIs and interest, for at least one year for the fire victims. With no source of income left, meeting debt obligations is impossible, the leadership emphasized.
The Federation demands the instant release of financial assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and support from the District Red Cross Society to provide immediate relief and survival support to the affected families.
KTMF has appealed to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor and the Hon’ble Chief Minister for a special rehabilitation grant to facilitate an Immediate Business Restart Program, enabling traders to resume their livelihoods without falling into further debt.
A formal memorandum has been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, seeking a time-bound and transparent revenue assessment to ensure speedy and fair compensation to all affected traders.
“We stand in complete solidarity with our brothers in Bandipora. The government must treat this incident as a high-priority emergency and extend a meaningful healing touch so that these 20 families are not pushed into permanent poverty,” the KTMF leadership stated in a collective resolution.
The Federation has also forwarded copies of its representation to the MLA Bandipora, seeking his urgent personal intervention to safeguard the future of the affected business community. (JKNS)
