JAMMU, Nov 2026 : A delegation of BJP legislators, led by Lok Sabha MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, met Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and demanded immediate financial assistance and a time-bound rehabilitation plan for traders who suffered heavy losses in recent fire incidents across Jammu.
The delegation submitted a four-point memorandum, urging the government to provide fair compensation, restore damaged businesses and strengthen fire safety measures in commercial areas. The delegation included MLAs Sham Lal Sharma, Dr Narinder Singh, Yudhvir Sethi, Ch Vikram Randhawa and Arvind Gupta.
Highlighting the scale of the destruction, the BJP leaders said that 27 shops at Shiv Market near Jammu Railway Station, eight shops and godowns at Warehouse Market, and one shop at Pahadian Mohalla had been gutted in the recent fires. Several families, they said, were facing severe financial hardship after losing their shops, stocks and essential equipment.
The delegation sought immediate financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh for each affected shop or godown from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. It also called for speedy verification of losses and prompt disbursement of compensation, arguing that traders should not have to wait through lengthy administrative procedures to restart their businesses.
Another key demand was a one-time relaxation of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) norms to allow willing MLAs from Jammu to allocate funds for immediate relief through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). The BJP leaders also sought a clear mechanism for the sanction, transfer and utilisation of these funds.
Addressing the concerns of Warehouse Market traders, the delegation demanded identification and allotment of suitable land for godowns, along with government approval for their construction within a specified timeframe. The proposed location, it said, should have access for goods vehicles and fire tenders, loading and unloading facilities, and adequate fire safety infrastructure.
The memorandum further called for a time-bound fire safety audit of commercial establishments across Jammu, particularly crowded markets and storage areas. It recommended fire alarms, extinguishers, hydrants, electrical safety inspections and improved emergency access arrangements to prevent similar incidents.
The BJP leaders urged the Chief Minister to provide definite timelines for compensation, CDF relaxation and land allotment, stressing that assurances must translate into concrete action.
Omar Abdullah reiterated that relief was being provided to those affected and assured the delegation that all possible assistance would be extended to the traders.
The BJP delegation reaffirmed its commitment to pursue the demands until affected traders receive meaningful support and are able to rebuild their businesses.
