Srinagar, Oct 14 (KNS): National Conference MP Mian Altaf Ahmad on Wednesday demanded the establishment of a permanent Fire and Emergency Services station in Loran area of Mandi in Poonch district after a midnight blaze destroyed several residential houses and shops.

Expressing grief over the incident, the Anantnag-Rajouri MP said several families had been rendered homeless, while local shopkeepers suffered substantial financial losses.

In a statement, Altaf raised concerns over the absence of a dedicated fire tender in Loran, saying the delay in reaching the affected area had highlighted serious gaps in emergency response facilities.

"It is deeply concerning that fire tenders had to travel long distances to reach Loran, causing critical delays during such an emergency," he said.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The MP said the damage could have been reduced had a fire service unit been stationed locally.

He urged the government to sanction a permanent fire station equipped with a dedicated fire tender in Loran without further delay.

Altaf also called upon the district administration to immediately initiate relief measures and provide financial and material assistance to families who lost their homes and livelihoods in the blaze.

Expressing solidarity with the affected families, he said urgent rehabilitation measures were necessary to help them recover from the losses.(KNS)