Srinagar, March 14: A century-old revered shrine at Garkote area of Uri in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district was completely damaged after lightning struck it on Wednesday morning.
Reports said the shrine of Baba Fareed (RA) was completely gutted following the lightening in the area.
“It was raining since last night and today at around 6:45 am, suddenly a lightning struck the area and engulfed the shrine,” locals of the area said.
Soon after the fire was seen emerging from the shrine, the locals immediately informed the concerned police about it.
When the police team and civil volunteers rushed to the spot, the shrine was already damaged.
The shrine is situated at high altitude and there is no motorable road connectivity for five to seven kilometres.
Station House Officer (SHO) Tabraiz Khan said that the damage was caused due to lightning.
“Despite our best efforts, we could not reach on time as there is no motorable road to the shrine,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has expressed concern over the reports of damage caused to the Holy Shrine of Hazrat Baba Fareed (R.A.) at Garkote, Uri in Baramulla district today due to a lightning strike.
The Chief Minister has directed the Baramulla Deputy Commissioner and other concerned officers to visit the shrine complex and take necessary measures for restoration of the same. (GNS)