SRINAGAR (KIMS) — The fire that devastated the Purkhoo camp didn’t just destroy homes—it struck at the fragile sense of stability for Kashmiri Pandit families, already displaced and deeply familiar with hardship. These families, who had witnessed some of the region’s darkest days, saw their meager possessions and shelters turn to ash once again.
The tragedy left an urgent question in many minds: How do you rebuild when everything has already been lost once before?
Rising to the occasion, the Ehsaas Foundation, a Srinagar-based NGO, set up a relief camp at Bohri Kadal. Volunteers poured in from all parts of the community, determined to offer both physical and emotional support to those in need. Through coordinated efforts, they provided food, blankets, warm clothing, hygiene kits, and, importantly, access to mental health counselors to support families grappling with loss and trauma.
Lead volunteer Burhan Nazir captured the camp’s deeper purpose: “We’re here to give them more than just material assistance. In their eyes, you see a lifetime of struggle,” he reflected. “Our message is that they are seen, they are valued, and they are not forgotten.”
His words resonated with the Foundation’s commitment to treat each individual with respect and dignity.
Another volunteer, Zahoor Malik, shared his perspective on the emotional toll of the destruction.
“Sometimes it feels like we’re trying to mend wounds that have been bleeding for years. For these families, it’s not just about losing a house; it’s about losing everything all over again. All we could give them was a little peace.”
Zahoor’s reflections underscore the psychological burden felt by both the victims and the volunteers, many of whom were deeply moved by the survivors’ stories of resilience and strength.
The camp quickly became a point of unity for the people of Srinagar. The large turnout and overwhelming support reminded the affected families that their community stands with them, sharing their grief and bolstering their strength. For those impacted, the Bohri Kadal relief camp serves as a beacon of comfort—a reminder that, despite their losses, they are not alone.
This Ehsaas Foundation initiative is more than a relief effort; it stands as a testament to the resilience, compassion, and unity of the Kashmiri people.
Volunteers like Burhan Nazir and Zahoor Malik continue to work tirelessly to support these families, embodying the spirit of a region that, in the face of repeated adversity, remains united and strong. — (KIMS)