Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, a massive fire engulfed at least 50 shops and a hotel in the Sonamarg market area of Gandarbal district. The blaze, which erupted last evening, prompted outrage from local residents who criticized the delayed arrival of firefighting units.

According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the fire originated from Hotel Sounsar and rapidly spread to adjacent hotels and shops in the bustling market area, inflicting damage estimated in crores.

Residents and business owners in the Sonamarg market have voiced their frustration, claiming that fire tenders arrived too late to mitigate the disaster. They also highlighted the lack of a dedicated fire services station in the area, which they believe exacerbated the situation.

This is not the first time Sonamarg has witnessed such a calamity. Previous fires have similarly devastated numerous structures, including shops and hotels, causing significant property loss.

A hotel owner lamented the decade-long wait for a fire services station in Sonamarg. Despite repeated assurances from authorities, no tangible actions have been taken to address the recurring threat of fires, he added. The owner emphasized that quicker response times could have significantly reduced the extent of damage in these incidents.