SRINAGAR: At least four individuals sustained injuries on Sunday when a fire broke out at the Jamia Masjid in the Hamray area of Pattan, Baramulla district, causing significant damage to the structure.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the blaze, which erupted at the mosque, was brought under control by a joint effort involving the fire and emergency services and personnel from the Indian Army. This swift action prevented the fire from spreading further.
The injured, all local residents from Saloosa, Kreeri, were initially shifted to nearby medical facilities. From there, they were referred to hospitals in Srinagar for advanced medical treatment. The injured have been identified as Irshad Ahmad, son of Abdul Rashid Bhat; Mohammad Altaf, son of Ahsan Pandit; Manzoor Ahmad Mir; and Mohammad Ashraf Mir.
While the immediate cause of the fire remains under investigation, officials confirmed that the mosque suffered damage as a result of the incident. The extent of the structural damage is yet to be fully assessed.
The incident occurred on Sunday in the Hamray area of Pattan, a locality within the Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. Baramulla district is situated in the northern part of the Union Territory and is known for its historical significance and natural beauty. The Jamia Masjid in Hamray serves as a central place of worship for the local community.
Fires at public buildings, particularly places of worship, often raise concerns within communities and prompt thorough investigations into their origins. Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed inquiry to determine whether the fire was accidental or intentional. Such investigations typically involve forensic analysis and witness testimonies to ascertain the sequence of events leading to the blaze.
The involvement of both civilian emergency services and the Army highlights the critical nature of the situation and the coordinated response required to manage such incidents in the region. The successful containment of the fire mitigated the risk of further damage to surrounding properties and ensured the safety of residents in the vicinity.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety measures, especially in older structures that may be more susceptible to damage. The community in Hamray and surrounding areas is likely to be concerned about the damage to their mosque and the well-being of those injured.
The Chenab Times News Desk
