Kashmir: A mysterious fire broke out in Mattan, Anantnag, devastating four residential structures and a granary belonging to the Kashmiri Pandit community. The fire, which occurred in the Razdan Mohalla area late Sunday night around 2:30 a.m., has raised serious concerns among the community members, who have called for a thorough investigation.
The heritage houses, belonging to Anand Ji Razdan, Shadi Lal Razdan, and Sham Lal Patwari, were unoccupied at the time of the incident. Community members insist that the uninhabited nature of these homes rules out the possibility of an electrical short circuit or other natural causes. As such, they are demanding a high-level inquiry to uncover the true cause of the fire.
The Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of South Kashmir, Javed Iqbal, confirmed that an investigation is already underway. “We have registered a case at the Mattan police station, and a senior officer has been assigned to lead the inquiry,” he stated.
DIG Iqbal assured that a robotic approach is being utilized to expedite the investigation, with assistance from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and CCTV footage already being reviewed. “Our goal is to determine the cause of the fire as quickly as possible to proceed with the necessary actions,” he added.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly because these structures are symbolic of the rich heritage and history of the Kashmiri Pandits. The call for a detailed investigation stems from the fear of potential foul play, given the sensitive nature of the region and the history of the community’s displacement.
As authorities delve into the incident, the Kashmiri Pandit community anxiously awaits answers and justice. The outcome of the investigation will be pivotal in addressing the community’s concerns and ensuring the safety of their remaining heritage properties.