fire-ravages-oldest-shia-mosque-in-ladakh-on-eve-of-shab-e-barat

Tragedy struck the Union Territory of Ladakh as a fire ravaged one of its oldest Shia mosques just hours before the commencement of night prayers for 'Shab-e-Barat', officials reported on Monday.

 

The blaze erupted at Balti Bazar masjid around 6:15 pm on Sunday, swiftly engulfing the entire structure, according to officials from the fire and emergency services. Prompt response from fire tenders managed to contain the flames within three hours, preventing significant damage to neighboring structures, including an adjacent 'Imam Barah' and residential buildings.

 

Preliminary investigations by the police suggest that the fire was likely sparked by candles used to illuminate the mosque in preparation for 'Shab-e-Barat', a significant observance in the Islamic calendar occurring on the night between the 14th and 15th days of Sha'ban, the eighth month.

 

Following the incident, Chairman-cum-Chief Executive Councillor of the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council, Kargil, Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Shrikant Suse, visited the site to assess the extent of the damage. The mosque, renowned for its historical and cultural significance, holds a special place in the Kargil district.

 

Initial evaluations revealed that the fire had severely impacted the first floor of the mosque, resulting in the loss of valuable assets and heritage artifacts. Local residents, emphasizing the urgent need for restoration, requested immediate covering of the rooftop with temporary sheets.

 

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Akhoon stressed the importance of installing small fire extinguishers at the community level, promising to address the matter with the Lieutenant Governor. He expressed gratitude to the Army for their swift response, which included deploying fire tenders and engaging in disaster management efforts.

 

Assuring the Mohalla committee of continued support, the CEC pledged to facilitate the installation of solar panels for the mosque, considering their sustainability and availability in the region.

 

As efforts to restore the mosque gain momentum, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the need for robust fire safety measures and community resilience in safeguarding cherished heritage sites against unforeseen calamities.