Jammu fires: LG Sinha gives Rs 1 lakh each from Red Cross

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday, 12 November announced Rs 38 lakh in immediate relief from the Red Cross for shopkeepers affected by fires at Warehouse-Nehru Market and Shiv Market in Jammu, providing Rs 1 lakh each to the affected traders. Sinha said he had no relief funds at his disposal but, as Red Cross Society president, secured cheques of Rs 1 lakh per shopkeeper – the maximum permissible under its rules. Rs 11 lakh was given to Warehouse-Nehru Market traders and Rs 27 lakh to those at Shiv Market, where 29 shops were destroyed on 25 October, while several godowns were gutted on Diwali at Warehouse-Nehru Market.

Sinha acknowledged the amount was small compared to the losses and said the Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner are working to expedite insurance claims. He directed officials to speed up damage assessment and review fire safety protocols in commercial areas. An inquiry committee comprising the Inspector General of Police, Jammu, and the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, has been formed to investigate the cause of the Warehouse-Nehru Market fire, with a report due in 15 days. Sinha warned of strict action if negligence is found.

Update, 13 November 2026: Indian Express now also reports that 29 shops were destroyed in the Shiv Market fire on 25 October and that several shops were reduced to ashes in the Diwali night fire at Warehouse-Nehru Market. The outlet names senior officials who accompanied Sinha, including DGP Nalin Prabhat and Divisional Commissioner Vikas Kundal.