Jammu, Nov 10: Traders of Warehouse-Nehru Market have decided to keep the market closed for three days following a massive fire that gutted several shops on Diwali night, causing losses worth crores.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Warehouse Traders Federation. Its President, Deepak Gupta, said the closure would continue till Wednesday as a mark of protest and solidarity with the affected traders.
The traders alleged that fire tenders reached the spot late, allowing the blaze to spread and cause extensive damage. They demanded a thorough inquiry into the alleged delay and action against those found responsible.
The Federation also renewed its long-pending demand for shifting warehouses to an alternative site outside the city, arguing that congestion and the storage of goods in and around shops make the market highly vulnerable to fire incidents.
However, the Fire and Emergency Services Department rejected the allegations, maintaining that fire tenders were rushed to the spot soon after receiving the call and the blaze was brought under control after sustained efforts.
Several political leaders visited the affected market and assured traders of relief and assistance. The Federation appealed to them not to politicise the tragedy and instead ensure timely support for those who suffered losses.
The fire broke out on Sunday night and destroyed shops dealing in groceries, oil, pulses and other essential commodities, with the losses estimated to run into crores.