All marriages in fire-affected villages postponed

South Kashmir, Aug 14 (UNI) The devastating fire in the 21 Field Ordinance Depot in south Kashmir has resulted in postponement of scheduled marriage ceremonies in more than a dozen affected villages.

''We have decided to postpone the marriage ceremonies of our children which were scheduled to be held after August 15,'' said the residents of Khundroo, who had to left their homes after a massive fire in the depot, which triggered blasts.

They said they have almost completed all the arrangements for the ceremonies but did not know when theauthorities will allow them to return to their homes again. ''We want to complete the ceremonies before the holy fasting month of Ramzan, starting from September 13, subject appearance of moon,'' they noted.

''It now looks almost impossible to hold the marriage ceremony of my son before Eid-ul-Fitr,'' said Ghulam Rasool. The marriage was scheduled to be held on August 24, he said, adding the authorities have ordered villagers not to return their homes yet.

''We are being told that it will take two more weeks to clear the unexploded shells, he said adding he had purchased everything for the marriage.'' I pray to God that everything is alright back in home, he said and added he do not know if his house is alright as there are reports about the damage of scores of houses due to explosions.

Reports of postponement of marriage ceremonies in other affected villages adjacent to depot have also been received as residents of these villages too have migrated to safer places.

They are worried about their household goods and animals left behind in the villages.

However, Army and police have decided to conduct joint patrolling in the affected villages to foil any attempt by miscreants to loot the unguarded property.

The authorities have appealed to people not to enter the affected villages untill the unexploded shells are detected and defused by the Bomb Disposal Squads airlifted from other parts of the country.

UNI