Nature once again showed its wrath and fury on 18 July 13 in Sogam, Kupwara when a massive fire struck at main Sogam market. On night 17-18 July 2013 a massive fire probably due to short circuit engulfed at least 22 shops in main Sogam market at around 02:30 am.
There was a widespread hue and cry and the people started making frantic calls to 28 Rashtriya Rifles Army Camp located nearby, the police station and the fire brigade. There was one universal call for help from all; “Save the Masjid”. The Jamia Masjid which was in close proximity to the blazing shops was the main concern of all. Immediately, a party of 28 Rashtriya Rifles led by the Company Commander Maj Abhijit Biswas reached the site along with a Water Bowser. The fire brigade tenders under Sub Inspector MA Khan was pressed into service. Army Water Bowser was utilised as a replenishment of water to the fire tenders. The JKP under DSP Zahoor Wani also came to supervise the efforts. The fire was soon localised with tremendous professionalism of the Fire Brigade service assisted by the Army and Police. The DSP along with the Company Commander helped co-ordinating the efforts, channelizing them towards the Government Treasury Office and the Post Office thereby saving the fire spread to the Jamia Masjid. They also ensured that the security of the area was also maintained to avoid any collateral damage. After two hours or continuous efforts, the Fire Brigade personnels and jawans of 28 Rashtriya Rifles brought the fire under control and prevented it from spreading further. All were relieved to see the Jamia Masjid safe.
Brigadier D P Pandey, Commander 8 Sector Rashtriya Rifles along with Col Harpreet Singh, Commanding Officer 28 Rashtriya Rifles Battalion came to the site and took stock of the situation. The Commander, 8 Sector Rashtriya Rifles appreciated the efforts of fire brigade department, jawans of 28 Rashtriya Rifles and the police and applauded their dynamism and courage in controlling the situation. He further assured the AWAM that Army has been and will always be there for the need of the Awam and the Government.
Massive fire rocks Sogam
