Chamba: A massive fire broke out in the remote village of Girad, located in the extremely inaccessible Pangi region of Bharmour, reducing the historic Girad Mata Temple to ashes.
The incident occurred in a snowbound area under freezing temperatures, leaving villagers helpless as they watched the flames engulf the centuries-old structure.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, and locals could do little due to heavy snowfall, extreme cold, and lack of immediate access to fire-fighting facilities.
The villagers stood as mute witnesses as the revered temple, deeply rooted in the region’s cultural and religious history, was completely destroyed.
Reacting to the incident, BJP MLA Dr Janak Raj expressed deep shock and sorrow over the loss.
He has demanded a thorough probe to ascertain the cause of the fire and has urged the government to release special funds for the reconstruction of the temple at the earliest.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves across the tribal belt, with residents calling it an irreparable cultural loss for the region.
