by Peerzada Arshad Hamid
SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Fire broke out in the shrine of revered Sufi Hazrat Mir Syed Ali Hamdani Wednesday in Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir, police said.
The upper portion of the 622-year-old shrine built in wood located in old part of the city went in flames early Wednesday.
Authorities immediately rushed fire tenders to the spot to contain flames and prevent the shrine from damaging completely.
Local residents too helped firefighters in dousing the blaze, eyewitnesses said. Officials have ordered a probe to ascertain the cause of fire.
Police officials suspect lightning to be the reason behind the blaze.
"Weather during the night was cloudy and winds were blowing. Srinagar and adjoining areas received rain besides witnessed thunder and lightning," a police official said.
The Khanqah-e-Molla or Shah-e-Hamdan shrine is one of the oldest Muslim shrines located in Indian-controlled Kashmir.
