Srinagar, Apr 26: At least seven shops and a residential house were gutted in a massive fire in Qalamabad village in Handwara area in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
GNS reported that a fire broke out in a residential house this afternoon. The raging flames soon spread to a nearby shopping complex.
Police, Army’s 30 RR and locals swung into action to douse off the flames. After hours of strenuous efforts, the blaze was controlled but not before it gutted at least seven shops and a double-storeyed residential house.
Among the gutted shops included four of merchandise (Kiryana), two of hardware and a tailoring shop. The residential house and the shopping complex are said to belong to one Ghulam Ahmad Najar.
The fire also caused minor damage to the attic of the Jama Masjid, Qalamabad.
Two civilians and a cop suffered bruises during the rescue operation and were administered with first-aid at the site.
