Relief operation for Margifire victims on war footing

Jammu, Oct 24 (UNI) The State Government has started on war footing, the relief and rescue operation to provide succor to the victims of massive fire, that broke in Marwah tehsil of Kishtwar district, about 250 km from here, official sources today said.

A huge fire on monday night resulted in destruction in remote and hilly, Margi village.

Over 160 wooden hutments were reduced to ashes, while more than 100 people were injured in the incident, the police said.

As it takes at least two days to reach the affected village, by road up to Marwah and thereafter on foot, government has called in the IAF's copter service to provide relief material, including essential clothing and medicines, to affected population.

''Two cabinet ministers and some senior government and army officials have also flown to the area, this morning to monitor the relief and rescue operation,'' sources said.

However, owing to the remoteness and immense terrain, people engaged in rescue operations were facing some difficulties in providing immediate relief to the victims.

UNI