SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 02: In a gesture of solidarity, the NGO Ehsaas Foundation reached out to offer succor to dozens of displaced Kashmiri Pandit families who lost everything in a recent fire at the Mishriwala/Purkhoo camp in Jammu. Their homes and belongings were caught in a sudden blaze, consuming everything from cherished possessions to treasured memories.
Ehsaas Foundation promptly set up a relief collection camp in Bohri Kadal. The Purkhoo/Mishriwala Camp in Jammu, which houses many displaced Kashmiri Pandit families from their ancestral homeland, has long faced resource scarcity, challenging living conditions, and enduring hardship. The Ehsaas Foundation’s relief camp at Bohri Kadal was more than just a welfare distribution event; it was an expression of support from Srinagar citizens toward their fellow Kashmiris. Volunteers gathered essentials, including food, bedding, warm clothing, and hygiene kits, to meet the basic needs of affected families. Supporters ranged from young students to elderly residents, all united by a shared desire to lift spirits and provide comfort after significant loss.
In addition to material aid, counselors and therapists were present to offer emotional strength to victims struggling to process the trauma of losing their homes yet again. “How do you even speak of it when such a tragedy repeats itself?” inquired Ravi Kumar, who came from Jammu to seek assistance for his family. “We fled once in the 1990s, and every year since has been a struggle to rebuild a home. This fire took away what little we had managed to create.” Like many others, he expressed deep gratitude toward the Ehsaas Foundation for their timely support. “This is more than just a camp; it’s a reminder that we are not alone and that people care,” he said.
Ehsaas Foundation volunteer and Srinagar native Zahoor Malik reflected on his experience with the victims. “Every family has a story of resilience. Providing support felt like healing wounds that transcend physical loss. It’s about reconnecting as a community, as Kashmiris who care deeply for one another, no matter where we are,” he shared.
The relief camp saw people from all backgrounds and faiths uniting in compassion. Volunteers from different parts of Srinagar exemplified a spirit of unity and shared responsibility. The event sparked discussions on housing, security, and the pressing need for a sustainable rehabilitation plan for Kashmiri Pandits and other displaced communities within Jammu and Kashmir. It showcased the strength of a community in times of tribulation.
Through its relief efforts for the Purkhoo Camp fire victims, the Ehsaas Foundation sent a message to the world about the spirit of togetherness defying years of conflict. As these families work to rebuild, the support from this camp instills a renewed sense of belonging. In this way, the people of Kashmir continue to demonstrate that, amidst their resilience, humanity remains central to their identity.
