Shimla/Kullu, Nov. 11 -- In a heart-wrenching tragedy, the entire Jhaniyar village in the Tirthan Valley of Kullu district was reduced to ashes today afternoon after a massive fire gutted as many as 16 wooden houses, including two temples, leaving dozens of villagers homeless amid the bone-chilling cold.
According to officials, the fire broke out around 2:30 pm in one of the houses and spread rapidly to adjoining structures, engulfing the entire settlement within hours. The remote village, located under the Nuhanda panchayat of Banjar sub-division, has no motorable road access, which made it impossible for fire engines to reach the spot.
With no external help available, villagers made desperate attempts to douse the flames using water and...