Srinagar, Aug 27 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party president Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari on Thursday visited the families affected by a fire in the Watal Kadal area and urged the administration to assess the losses and ensure maximum compensation for the victims, whom he described as poor and vulnerable.

"It is a pity that we have to face this calamity. But thank God, no one has been harmed. There are very poor people here. There are no big people, no big merchants, no big officers," Altaf Bukhari told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) after his visit to the affected locality.

The Apni Party leader appealed to the local MLA to utilise the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for relief, saying the government has permitted representatives to use these funds during emergencies. "I will also request the MLA of the area because the government has given them permission to help people in these calamities with their CDFs," he said.

Altaf Bukhari also made a fervent appeal to the residents of Srinagar to come forward and assist the affected families, noting that many of them were in immediate need of ration and books. "When such calamities happen, we should come forward as a society. I will also do what I can as Altaf Bukhari," he said, adding that he would also request his friends and well-wishers to contribute to the relief efforts.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The Apni Party president commended the fire service personnel for their efforts, saying they played a very important role in containing the blaze. However, he raised concerns over fire safety audits in the old city, pointing out that 90 per cent of the buildings would fail to meet modern standards. "Our city was built when these standards were not there. We are not a new city. It has a history. It is an old city," he noted.

Altaf Bukhari called upon the government to bring a decongestion policy for Srinagar, saying the city's narrow lanes and overcrowded dwellings pose serious safety risks. "Government officials should see how to protect people's lives. What initiatives should we take to decongest the city? If the government brings a decongestation policy, it will be a welcome step," he said, adding that four families often live in a single room in many parts of the city.

Refraining from political commentary, Altaf Bukhari stressed the need for immediate humanitarian assistance. "At the moment, we have to help each other. I don't want to talk about politics. I am sure the government will act. I request the administration, the divisional commissioner and the deputy commissioner to help these people. Please help them," he appealed. (KNS)