A devastating fire recently swept through the village of Mulwarwan in Tehsil Warwan, Kishtwar, leaving over 80 families homeless and causing irreparable damage. The fire, which destroyed homes and belongings within hours, is a grim reminder of how vulnerable remote areas are to such disasters. Sadly, such incidents are not uncommon in the region, with fires occurring almost every year, yet little has been done to prevent or mitigate their effects.
The fire raged uncontrollably due to a lack of firefighting equipment and the remoteness of the area. Mulwarwan, located more than 70 kilometers from Larnoo Anantnag, is difficult to access due to poor roads, making it almost impossible for firefighting teams to reach in time. By the time help arrived, it was too late. Over 80 homes were reduced to ashes, leaving families with nothing.
In response to the disaster, the administration mobilized resources, including Fire and Emergency Services, but the effort was hampered by the difficult terrain. Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Rajesh Kumar Shavan and Senior Superintendent of Police Abdul Qayoom visited the site, offering support and distributing first aid and relief materials. Their presence brought some solace to the victims, though the damage had already been done.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and other politicians, visited Mulwarwan and expressed solidarity with the victims. The Chief Minister assured the affected families that their homes would be rebuilt and the government would prioritize their rehabilitation. Inderwal MLA Payare Lal Sharma also pledged support, announcing Rs 48 lakh from his Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to aid the victims.
The fire has sparked a mass relief effort, with non-governmental organizations, trusts, and civil societies stepping in to provide much-needed assistance. Among the organizations, ABABEEL stood out, raising over Rs 1.25 crore in cash and relief materials to help rebuild homes. Donations poured in from across the region, with individuals contributing blankets, utensils, and other daily necessities. Despite these efforts, the victims still face a long road to recovery.
The government has also announced compensation under various schemes, including PMAY and Red Cross funds, amounting to approximately Rs 2 lakh per affected household. This, combined with donations, is expected to provide each family with around Rs 4 lakh. While this financial aid will help, it cannot fully compensate for the emotional and material loss suffered by the families. One of the victims, 65-year-old Muhammad Ramzan, lost everything, including his daughters’ wedding preparations. Ramzan had carefully saved for the weddings of his two daughters, Gulshan and Rubina, scheduled for October 22, but the fire consumed all their belongings. His story is just one of many heartbreaking tales of loss and devastation. Another resident, a mother who lost her home and livelihood, expressed her frustration with the slow pace of relief efforts. “We have lost everything, and no one truly understands our suffering,” she said, adding that politicians have made promises but offered little tangible support.
The local administration has been urged to form a committee to oversee the fair distribution of relief materials and ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. Mismanagement of aid distribution has been a concern, with reports of delays and inefficiencies. Winter is fast approaching, and Mulwarwan will soon be cut off from the rest of the region due to heavy snowfall. The rebuilding process must begin immediately so that the affected families have shelter before the harsh winter sets in.
The tragedy in Mulwarwan is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by remote areas in Jammu and Kashmir. It highlights the urgent need for better infrastructure, firefighting equipment, and disaster preparedness to prevent future incidents.
For now, the people of Mulwarwan are relying on the generosity of others to help them rebuild their lives. But their stories of loss and resilience should serve as a wake-up call for the government to take concrete steps to prevent such tragedies in the future.
(The author is a freelance writer and socio-political activist from Bunjwah, Kishtwar, and can be reached at freelancershafqat@gmail.com or 9479974577.)
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