Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, along with Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC, Kargil, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse and district officers visited the fire-affected site of historical Balti Bazar Masjid and a commercial shop at Kargil Bazar on 26 February.

At Balti Bazar Masjid, the CEC interacted with the local residents and expressed sympathy with them following the unfortunate fire incident. While assessing the damage, Dr. Jaffer was informed that the first floor of the Mosque was affected by fire, causing losses to infrastructure assets and heritage antiques. The CEC was informed that the assessment of the damage would be done by the concerned department at the earliest.

The Mohallah Committee requested immediate covering of the rooftop with temporary sheets, and the entire building needs restoration and reconstruction.The committee expressed gratitude to the CEC and district administration for their prompt action in containing the fire, which could have otherwise damaged neighbouring residential houses and the premises of the Imam Barah.

The CEC underlined the importance of small fire extinguishers at the mohalla level and assured that the matter will be taken with the Lieutenant Governor. He also directed to restore water and electricity services at the earliest which were disrupted due to the fire incident.He was informed that labourers from the Municipal Committee Kargil have been deployed for debris removal.

Regarding relief and aid for Balti Bazar Masjid, CEC said that immediate and long term strategies will be discussed with the district administration. He thanked the Indian Army for taking swift action by deputing their fire tenders and for the disaster management activities.

Regarding, relief and aid for Balti Bazar Masjid, immediate and long term strategies will be discussed with the District Administration. Dr. Jaffer assured the Mohalla committee that necessary provisions, including solar panels for the mosque, will be made available, taking into consideration their availability.

The mosque is one of the oldest mosques of Kargil district and is known for its historical and heritage importance. Dr. Jaffer has further requested the general public to remain vigilant and adopt safety precautions to avoid any such incident in the future.

He also visited a commercial shop in Kargil Bazar which was affected by fire and  assessed the damage and informed that the assessment of damage will be done at the earliest.

ADC Kargil, Ghulam Mohiudin Wani, ACR Kargil, Mohammad Sharif, Administrator MC Kargil/Joint Director Information, Ladakh, Imteeaz Kacho, Additional SP, Nitin Yadav, besides district officers and concerned officers of all line departments accompanied the CEC during the visit.