Jammu, November 12,2026- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday visited the fire-affected areas of Warehouse, Nehru Market and Shiv Market in Jammu to assess the damage caused to shops in recent fire incidents and review the situation on the ground.
During the visit, the Lieutenant Governor interacted with affected shopkeepers and representatives of the trade and business community. He listened to their concerns, took stock of the losses suffered by traders and reviewed the situation with senior administrative officials.
As an immediate relief measure, the Lieutenant Governor announced financial assistance of ₹1 lakh from the Red Cross for each affected shopkeeper in Warehouse, Nehru Market and Shiv Market. He informed that financial assistance amounting to ₹11 lakh had been provided to affected shopkeepers at Warehouse, while ₹27 lakh had been arranged for those affected at Shiv Market.
Addressing the affected traders, LG Manoj Sinha acknowledged that the financial assistance was limited compared to the losses suffered by the business community. However, he expressed hope that the support would provide some immediate relief to families and traders struggling to recover from the devastating incidents.
The Lieutenant Governor clarified that he did not have any relief funds at his personal disposal but, in his capacity as President of the Red Cross Society, had requested the organisation to extend assistance to the affected shopkeepers.
He said the Red Cross had arranged cheques of ₹1 lakh each, representing the maximum assistance permissible under its rules.
Sinha also assured the traders that the UT Administration was making every possible effort to facilitate their recovery, particularly by ensuring the timely settlement of insurance claims.
He directed the Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Deputy Commissioner Jammu to coordinate with the concerned authorities and ensure that affected shopkeepers receive their insurance claims without unnecessary delays.
Emphasising the Administration’s commitment to supporting the business community, the Lieutenant Governor said the entire UT Administration stood firmly with those who had suffered losses. He assured traders of all possible assistance to help them rebuild their businesses at the earliest.
During the visit, LG Manoj Sinha also instructed senior officials to expedite the damage assessment process and ensure that appropriate relief measures reach every eligible affected shopkeeper without delay.
He stressed the importance of reviewing existing fire safety arrangements and strengthening preventive measures across major commercial establishments and business hubs in Jammu. He said lessons must be drawn from the recent incidents to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Inquiry Committee Formed to Investigate Warehouse Fire
Meanwhile, the Lieutenant Governor has already constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the cause and circumstances of the fire incident at Warehouse, Nehru Market.
The committee comprises the Inspector General of Police, Jammu, and the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu. It has been directed to examine all aspects of the incident, investigate any possible lapses or negligence, fix responsibility wherever required and submit its report within 15 days.
The Lieutenant Governor underlined that the inquiry would be conducted in a completely impartial and transparent manner. He made it clear that strict action would be taken if any negligence or failure on the part of those responsible was established.
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the fire and identify shortcomings, if any, in the existing safety and response mechanisms.
Senior Officials Accompany LG During Visit
The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor Govind Jaiswal, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Vikas Kundal, DIG JSK Range Shridhar Patil, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Minga Sherpa, Municipal Commissioner Jammu Aayushi Sudan, Vice Chairman Jammu Development Authority Vidhu Shekhar and other senior officials.
The visit comes as affected traders continue to assess their losses and look towards administrative support, insurance settlements and financial assistance to restore their livelihoods.
Through immediate Red Cross assistance, expedited insurance claims and a time-bound inquiry into the Warehouse fire, the Administration has assured affected traders of support and accountability while emphasising stronger fire safety measures in Jammu’s commercial areas.
