Srinagar, Aug 22: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah has ordered an inquiry into yesterday's fire incident in Mangota-Marmat in Doda district, which gutted nearly 100 houses. An investigation has been ordered to fix responsibility for the incident that gutted 96 houses, Abdullah, who visited the spot along with Director General of Police A K Suri, said.

The fire broke out in the area after a gun-battle between militants and the security forces yesterday. Meanwhile, senior vice-president of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democatic Party Mehbooba Mufti today blamed security forces for the act saying "security forces in a fit of vendetta against the poor residents set ablaze 100 houses after an encounter".

Condemning the act, Mehbooba in a statement said, the army "tortured" the local population after the encounter and forced them to migrate to other places.

She called upon the government to take immediate steps for rehabilitation of the affected population.

Bureau Report