JAMMU: Nearly dozen wooden kiosks which were constructed making mockery of the authorities in sector D of Sainik Colony were gutted in fire in early morning hours.
The timely action by cops of Sainik Colony Police Post who immediately pressed fire tenders into service results in preventing flames from spreading to the adjoining houses.
“Major tragedy have averted in the colony as the fire incident occured in the early morning. This incident have fatal consequences had it happened during peak time when there is huge rush in the area” said Rajinder Sharma.
Though exact cause of fire yet not ascertain, however, the police sources said “It might be due to spark triggered through illegal electricity connections provides to these politically shielded road encroachers”. All kiosks were constructed with woods and covered with plastic sheets.
Pertinently, these kiosks were constructed after encroaching upon major portion of road in sector D under the garb of Sabzi Mandi which was inaugurated in June last year with a condition to run from 6 am to 9 am without any permanent structure.
However, later in connivance with officials of Sanitation Wing of Jammu Municipal Corporation, the temperory Mandi Faris transformed into permanent shops.
The residents of Sainik Colony have criticised the JMC authorities for sitting silent on this broad day light encroachment which become cause of inferno and endangering lives of residents in danger.
We urged police to initiate stern action against those who provides illegal electricity connections besides immunity against action for encroachment, said Gajinder Singh in anger. It’s strange instead of acting against the encroachment of road, the JMC authorities in collusion with political leaders are shielding encroachment of road in a well planned Sainik colony, added Singh.
The agitated residents urged the Commissioner JMC, Avny Lavasa to ensure no such encroachment again reappear anywhere in the colony.
Rahul Dogra, Police Post Incharge giving details of the incident said we act timely and prevent spread of fire from khokhas to adjoining homes. The case has been registered and we are investigating different aspects especially as to how these illegal Kiosks manage to procure electricity connections.