SRINAGAR: A devastating fire broke out at the Shah-i-Hamdan Darul Uloom in Tral, Pulwama district, on Sunday, claiming the life of a 10-year-old student, Yasir Ahmad Gaggi, son of Bashir Ahmad of Karmulla Tral. Six other students sustained burn injuries in the blaze, officials confirmed, prompting a wave of grief across the Valley.
The injured were rushed to a local hospital and later referred to Srinagar for further treatment. Fire and emergency personnel managed to bring the flames under control, while the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Molvi Umar Farooq, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it “extremely painful and heartbreaking.” He offered his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for Yasir Ahmad’s maghfirah, asking Almighty Allah to grant him a place in Jannat-ul-Firdous. He also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured and extended sympathy to all affected.
“The destruction of the Darul Uloom is a profound loss for the community,” the Mirwaiz said, noting the importance of such institutions as centres of learning and spiritual guidance. He urged the administration to provide immediate support to the affected students and the Darul Uloom’s management, and to take steps to prevent similar tragedies.
President of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Dr Farooq Abdullah, also expressed profound grief over the tragedy. Describing the incident as “distressing and heart-wrenching,” he offered his condolences to the family of the deceased and echoed the Mirwaiz’s call for support to the injured and to the institution.
“The Darul Uloom’s destruction has shaken the community,” Dr Abdullah said, emphasising the vital role these institutions play in shaping young minds and preserving moral and religious values. He called for a thorough investigation into the fire’s cause and urged the administration to implement safety measures to avert such incidents in the future.
Both leaders prayed for peace, safety, and protection for all people and educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.
