Monetary relief announced for Kashmir fire victims

Srinagar, Oct 27 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today ordered immediate financial assistance of Rs 10,000 each to the 25 families affected by a devastating fire at Sudhi Kilshai village in Gurez sector of Bandipora district yesterday.

Mr Azad, who visited the area along with local legislator Nazir Ahmed Gurezi and Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Mehboob Iqbal, took stock of the damage suffered by the villagers and issued instructions for their immediate rehabilitation.

The fire had devastated more than 50 structures in the village.

The Chief Minister announced six months free ration and the rehabilitation package for the victims.

Due to the difficult topography of the affected village, the reconstruction of gutted houses was not possible during winter.

It was decided that the affected families would be shifted to Dawar for temporary rehabilitation in rented accommodation. The state government would pay the rent.

Earlier, the Chief Minister had an aerial inspection of the devastation caused by the fire. In the absence of the facility, the helicopter carrying Mr Azad and others could not land in the village, a spokesman said here.

UNI