A fire erupted in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly complex in Jammu on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, causing damage to property and destroying historic photographs. The blaze broke out in the lobby of the old Assembly building, which is part of the Civil Secretariat complex, at approximately 9:34 AM.
The fire rapidly engulfed the lobby area, consuming furniture, including sofas and chairs, and causing significant damage to infrastructure. A particularly devastating aspect of the incident was the destruction of framed portraits of former Governors and Lieutenant Governors of the erstwhile state, which were part of the Assembly's archival collection. These photographs represented a visual record of the region's political legacy, and their loss is considered a significant blow to the preservation of J&K's history.
Prompt action by the Fire and Emergency Services personnel helped to control the blaze within a few minutes, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building. While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, preliminary reports suggest that an electrical short circuit may have been the trigger. An internal inquiry has been launched, and a technical team is examining the site to determine the source of the fire.
No injuries or loss of life were reported, as the Assembly premises were largely unoccupied at the time of the incident. However, authorities have expressed concern regarding the structural integrity of the affected lobby and the loss of historical memorabilia. Officials from the Estates Department and the General Administration Department (GAD) have visited the site to assess the damage and oversee control measures.
The incident has prompted reactions from the public and political figures, with many emphasizing the need for stricter adherence to fire safety norms and improved maintenance of infrastructure in government buildings. There are also calls for efforts to digitally archive surviving photographs and documents to protect against future losses.
The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly has a long and complex history, reflecting the region's unique political journey. Prior to 2019, the state had a bicameral legislature, but the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019 replaced it with a unicameral legislature within the newly formed Union Territory. The Assembly has been housed in the Civil Secretariat complex in Jammu, serving as a symbol of democratic governance in the region.
The fire and resulting destruction of historical photos serve as a stark reminder of the importance of preserving cultural and political heritage. The loss of these visual records is a setback for historical documentation efforts. The incident underscores the necessity for robust fire safety measures and proactive preservation strategies to safeguard irreplaceable artifacts for future generations. While the physical damage is substantial, efforts are underway to assess the extent of the loss, investigate the cause of the fire, and implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
