Bandipora, Jan 6: The traders of Khadim Market whose business establishments were gutted in a devastating fire have expressed strong resentment over the government decision of giving Rs 10,000 to the victims.
 Property worth crores was gutted as 35 shops and five houses were gutted on Monday.
 “Each trader has lost property worth lakhs and government is giving a meager amount of Rs 10,000 to the victim. It is insufficient and government should increase the relief amount keeping in view the magnitude of damage,” a trader told Greater Kashmir.
 He said “many affected traders had taken huge amount of money as loan from the banks and won’t be able to repay.” “The bank authorities should give relaxation to these traders in the form of slashing of interest and easy installment,” he added.
 Meanwhile, Traders Federation Bandipora President, Muhammad Saif-ud-Din today met the Minster for Rural Development and demanded immediate establishment of temporary shed for the affected. “Our immediate demand is establishment of temporary shed at a specific place so that traders can continue their business and simultaneously construct their shops,” Muhammad Saif-ud-Din told the Minister and demanded increase in the relief amount.
 “Government should provide construction material on concessional bases to the fire victims,” he further demanded.
 The Minister accompanied by local MLA Nizamudin Bhat announced sanctioning of one more fire tender for Bandipora block.
 The Minister directed the Deputy Commissioner to identify an area for the establishment of sheds.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 6 Jan 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 6 Jan 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 7 Jan 2011 00:00:00 IST