Srinagar, October 26 (HS): National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah has expressed deep grief and sorrow over the fire near Jammu Railway Station in Shiv Market, in which around 40 shops were reduced to ashes. He has urged the government to provide immediate relief to the affected shopkeepers and to take concrete steps for their rehabilitation and the revival of their businesses.

In a statement, Dr Abdullah said the affected shopkeepers have suffered heavy financial losses and that their livelihoods have also been badly hit by the tragic incident.

He appealed to the government to make a proper assessment of the losses and provide the victims with adequate financial compensation. He said the shopkeepers should also be offered low-interest loans on easy terms to rebuild their businesses and restore their livelihoods, so that they can get back on their feet at the earliest.

Expressing sympathy and solidarity with the shopkeepers in this difficult hour, he urged the government to take measures on a priority basis to address their hardships and ensure their economic recovery.

Party general secretary Haji Ali Mohammad Sagar, additional general secretary Ajay Kumar Sadhotra and provincial president Advocate Rattan Lal Gupta also expressed grief and shock over the fire.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat