Srinagar, Sep 11 (KNS) : A delegation of the Awami Itihad Party (AIP), led by constituency incharge Advocate Dawood along with Abrar Rashid, on Friday visited the victims of the recent fire incident in Warnow area of Lolab, Kupwara, where 15 shops were gutted.

The delegation met the affected shopkeepers and their families and took stock of the losses suffered in the incident. The party demanded immediate financial assistance and a comprehensive rehabilitation package for the affected traders.

Advocate Dawood said the affected shopkeepers were already facing financial difficulties and struggling to sustain their businesses.

He said the fire had further worsened their situation by destroying their shops and cutting off their source of livelihood.

“We stand with the affected families and demand that the government provide immediate and adequate compensation so that they can rebuild their businesses and support their families,” Dawood said.

Abrar Rashid, who was part of the delegation, expressed deep anguish over the incident and called for immediate compensation and permanent rehabilitation of the affected shopkeepers.

He said a limited financial assistance of Rs 5000 through the Red Cross would not be sufficient to rehabilitate the affected shopkeepers, who have suffered major losses in the fire.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“Giving Rs 5000 through the Red Cross may provide temporary relief, but it cannot rehabilitate these shopkeepers. The government must assess their losses and provide adequate compensation and a proper rehabilitation package so that they can restart their businesses,” Abrar said.

Abrar also said that MP Engineer Rashid has already written to the Director General, Fire and Emergency Services, seeking the establishment of a Fire and Emergency Services station in the area.

He said the absence of a nearby fire station had highlighted the need for stronger emergency response infrastructure in the area.

“We are hopeful that the government will consider the demand and that Warnow and the surrounding areas will get a Fire and Emergency Services station soon,” Abrar said.

Abrar said the AIP shares the grief and sorrow of the affected shopkeepers during this difficult time. He added that the party would also look into what provisions could be made available under MPLAD funds to support the affected shopkeepers.(KNS)