Jammu, November 9: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday visited the Warehouse area of Jammu city to assess the damage caused by a massive fire that broke out on Diwali night.

During the visit, Mufti interacted with traders whose shops were damaged in the incident and took stock of the losses suffered by the business community.

Around six to seven shops were reportedly gutted in the blaze, causing substantial financial losses to the affected traders.

The incident, which occurred on Sunday night, has triggered concern among the trading community, with questions being raised over the response of the Fire and Emergency Services. Traders have alleged that delays in the arrival of firefighting teams allowed the flames to spread to adjoining establishments.

Earlier, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh had expressed concern over the incident and urged the authorities to take appropriate action while addressing the grievances of the affected traders on priority.

The affected business owners are now awaiting an assessment of the damage and appropriate assistance from the administration to help them recover from the losses.