Mehbooba Mufti advocates soft loans for houseboat owners affected by Dal Lake fire

Srinagar: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti extended her support to families affected by the Dal Lake fire incident on Saturday, which resulted in the loss of houseboats and claimed three lives, including Bangladeshi tourists.

Visiting the site, Mufti emphasised the need for assistance from the Jammu and Kashmir administration, urging Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to provide soft loans and essential support for the affected families to rebuild their houseboats.

"Visited Dal (Lake), where several houseboats were ravaged by a massive fire on Saturday. Apart from extensive damage, three tourists tragically died despite the efforts of locals," Mufti shared on X.

In her appeal to the administration, Mufti stated, "Request @manojsinha_ ji to provide soft loans & other essentials necessary for houseboat owners to rebuild. Perhaps in the future moving fire stations will help to prevent such incidents."

Altaf Bukhari, a leader from the Apni Party, expressed sympathy for the affected families and called on the authorities to assess the losses and provide appropriate compensation. "May the victims find strength in these testing times. I urge the authorities to assess the loss caused to the property and compensate the victims accordingly," Bukhari said.

A team from the Apni Party, including Noor Mohammad and Ashraf Mir, visited the site to assess the situation. Srinagar Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Aijaz and senior tourism department officials also visited the scene, assuring all possible assistance in rebuilding the damaged houseboats.

Lt Governor Sinha, expressing deep sorrow over the incident, stated, "I am deeply pained by the loss of lives due to the unfortunate fire incident at the Dal Lake, Srinagar. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I have directed the district administration to provide all necessary assistance to the affected people."