Around 35 to 40 shops were completely gutted after a massive fire broke out at Shiv Market, opposite Jammu Railway Station, in the early hours of Monday. No casualties or injuries had been reported at the time of reporting.
Fire and emergency services teams rushed to the spot and worked to bring the blaze under control. The cause of the fire remains unknown, although BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa said a short circuit in one shop was suspected to have triggered the incident.
Shiv Market is a major commercial hub known for its dry fruit and blanket shops, eateries and dhabas. According to Randhawa, the fire spread rapidly to adjoining establishments, engulfing a large part of the market before firefighters could contain it.
Randhawa said police personnel and senior officers, including the station house officer and superintendent of police, were actively involved in managing the situation and assisting firefighting teams.
A shopkeeper said at least 25 to 30 shops had suffered total losses, describing the damage as extensive. He urged the administration to provide compensation to affected traders without delay.
Randhawa said the full extent of the damage could be assessed only after the situation was completely under control. He added that the deputy commissioner, SP South, DSP and other officials were present at the site, while members of civil society were assisting with relief efforts.
The MLA said the issue of compensation would be discussed with the administration after the immediate situation was brought under control.
