J&K Assembly Speaker Orders Immediate Relief for Doodkhatu Fire Victims in Budgam

JAMMU, JANUARY 22, 2026: The Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, has expressed profound grief and concern over a devastating fire that broke out late Wednesday night in Doodkhatu village, located in the Chrar-i-Sharief Tehsil of Budgam district.

The blaze resulted in significant damage to residential houses and the loss of personal property. Currently in Lucknow to attend the 86th All India Presiding Officers Conference (AIPOC)-2026, the Speaker took immediate notice of the tragedy and contacted the district administration to coordinate an emergency response.

Recognizing the challenges posed by the ongoing harsh winter, Speaker Rather directed administrative officials to prioritize the immediate rehabilitation of the affected families. He emphasized the urgent need for temporary shelters, free rations, clothing, utensils, and direct financial assistance to mitigate the suffering of those displaced.

Furthermore, he has instructed the Budgam district administration to conduct a rapid and thorough assessment of the property damage to ensure that comprehensive compensation and relief packages are distributed without delay.