Jammu, Nov 9: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, has expressed deep concern over the devastating fire incident at the historic Warehouse–Nehru Market near Bikram Chowk, Jammu, which gutted dozens of business establishments on Sunday night, causing extensive damage to property and huge financial losses to traders.

Describing the incident as deeply unfortunate, the Speaker extended his heartfelt sympathies to the affected traders and business owners, whose shops and livelihoods have suffered heavily in the blaze. He said that the Warehouse–Nehru Market, one of Jammu's oldest and most prominent wholesale trading hubs, has been serving traders, retailers and consumers since the 1950s and holds significant economic importance for the city.
The Speaker lauded the timely efforts of the Fire and Emergency Services Department, police and local administration in containing the massive blaze and preventing further damage to life and property. He appreciated the dedication and prompt response of the personnel who worked under challenging circumstances to bring the situation under control.
Expressing concern over the huge losses, reportedly running into crores of rupees, Rather urged the administration to undertake an immediate assessment of the damages and provide adequate ex-gratia relief to the affected traders at the earliest to help them overcome the financial distress caused by the tragedy.
The Speaker also stressed the need for appropriate measures to support the affected business community in restoring their livelihoods and resuming commercial activities at the earliest.