Srinagar, May 24: Panic gripped residents of Old Gagribal area near Boulevard after a patch of forest caught fire today.
Residents said the fire started in the forest in the close vicinity of Gagribal locality creating panic. Fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse off the flames. Residents demanded a probe into the fire incident. “Drug addicts and other unscrupulous elements frequently throng the forest. We believe this fire was triggered. We also urge the Forest Protection department to repair the damaged fence and raise its height. We also appeal authorities and police to undertake frequent patrolling near forest areas to discourage movement of drug addicts,” they added.