'Hands tied': J&K deputy CM cites lack of statehood as Jammu blaze puts fire response under lens

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday renewed the demand for restoration of full statehood, saying the absence of constitutional and administrative powers had severely restricted the elected government's ability to address public grievances and respond effectively to emergencies.

Referring to the fire at Warehouse-Nehru Market in Jammu late Sunday night, Choudhary said the anger expressed by affected traders over the alleged delay in the arrival of fire tenders was understandable.

"Our hands are tied. They can only be untied when statehood is restored to Jammu and Kashmir," Choudhary told reporters during his visit to the Vishwakarma temple in Katra to participate in Vishwakarma Day celebrations.

The senior National Conference leader said the elected government lacked direct control over the police and Fire and Emergency Services, making it difficult to initiate immediate disciplinary action against officials in cases of alleged negligence.

His remarks came after he faced protests from traders during a visit to the fire-affected market earlier in the day.

𝐍𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐬 𝐠𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞

Choudhary said nine shops were destroyed in the blaze, causing substantial financial losses to traders whose businesses had been reduced to ashes.

Acknowledging their frustration, he said the government understood the emotional and financial distress caused by the incident.

"Whatever they said in anger, we accept wholeheartedly. When someone's entire business is reduced to ashes, we can understand the pain he is going through," he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister said traders had questioned why action was not being taken against officials allegedly responsible for the delayed emergency response.

Some had demanded the constitution of an inquiry committee and suspension of those found responsible.

However, Choudhary maintained that the existing administrative arrangement prevented the elected government from exercising such authority.

"But how can I do that when the departments are not under our control? The police and related departments are under the Union Home Ministry. How can I suspend officials over whom I have no authority?" he asked.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲

Choudhary argued that restoration of statehood was essential to ensure administrative accountability and enable elected representatives to respond promptly to public concerns.

Recalling the arrangements that existed when Jammu and Kashmir was a full-fledged state, he said ministers and senior administrative officials would regularly coordinate preparations ahead of major religious festivals and public gatherings.

He questioned why the Deputy Chief Minister was not involved in administrative consultations ahead of Navratri and Diwali under the present system.

"Had J&K been a full state, the SSP and deputy commissioner would have been standing here (in Katra) alongside us. But they are not present, and this is the difference between a state and a UT," he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister maintained that the demand for statehood was not intended to serve the political interests of the National Conference but to strengthen the elected government's ability to deliver services and address emergencies.

"Why would we need statehood for us? We are already functioning... I am the deputy chief minister. The real question is how people will benefit. If statehood is restored, we will have full-fledged powers and the authority to act immediately on the ground," he said.

𝐄𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐬

Choudhary said he had briefed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah about the situation after visiting the fire-hit Warehouse-Nehru Market.

He also referred to the October 25 fire at Shiv Market near Jammu railway station, acknowledging the concerns of traders who were still awaiting compensation for their losses.

The Deputy Chief Minister assured that victims of both incidents would receive compensation according to the same scale applicable to fire-affected people in Kashmir.

"There will be no discrimination between Jammu and Kashmir. The compensation provided here will be at par with what is given in Kashmir," he said.

Choudhary reiterated that the elected government remained committed to addressing the concerns of affected traders but said the existing division of administrative powers limited its ability to take immediate action against officials.

His remarks highlighted the National Conference government's continuing demand for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, which was withdrawn following the reorganisation of the erstwhile state into two Union territories in August 2019.