Jammu: A devastating fire in the Kishtwar district of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir has resulted in the destruction of over 90 residential houses and a Jamia Masjid.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the inferno originated from a residence in the Marwah area, rapidly spreading to engulf the neighboring homes. The remote location of Marwah has significantly hindered the firefighting efforts, as the absence of adequate road access complicates the situation.

Local resident Abdul Rehman Mehro highlighted the recurring nature of such disasters in the region, noting that this incident marks the fifth major fire in the last 15 years, affecting several villages including Margi, Sukhnai, Choidraman, Virwarwan, and Mulwarwan. Throughout these years, numerous houses in Warwan tehsil have been destroyed by similar fires.

Community members have pointed to the Kishtwar district administration’s failure to address their long-standing requests for better firefighting resources. Despite repeated demands and protests, no fire station has been established in the Warwan and Marwah subdivisions, which has only exacerbated the impact of such disasters.

The locals continue to call on the district administration to establish a fire station in the area to mitigate future risks and potentially save lives and property.