Srinagar, Oct 26: A year ago, the mountain silence of Warwan Valley in Kishtwar district was shattered by flames that reduced the small village of Moolwarwan to ashes.
Eighty-five families lost their homes, belongings, and generations of memories within an hour.
“We didn’t just lose shelter, but also the utensils we used for food, children’s books, and everything we had stocked up for winter,” said Muhammad Jamal Wani, 55, a labourer and one of the fire victims. “We were left with nothing. We never thought we would have to start from scratch again. But thanks to Allah and Ababeel, we have shifted to the newly-constructed house.”
For months after the fire, Wani and his family, including five children, were sheltered by villagers from nearby areas.
“We lived as one family,” he said. “They made us feel at home. When we finally returned to our house, they were in tears, and so were we. But then, you know, your own house is always home.”
Muhammad Ramzan, 65, a farmer, recalled seeing his daughters’ trousseau destroyed in the blaze.
Wedding dresses, jewellery, utensils, and cash meant for the October 22 weddings of his daughters, Gulshan and Rubina, were reduced to ashes.
“Thanks to Ababeel and others’ support, we received relief in time, and my daughters’ wedding ceremony was finally held. Our house is also near completion, and we will shift there soon,” he said.
Villager Aadil Koka, who helped host displaced families, said, “One family with five rooms spared two to the victims. Whatever we ate, they ate too. We became one family.”
Today, Moolwarwan hums with the sounds of hammers and laughter.
New houses stand where blackened debris once lay, and the smell of fresh wood and plaster has replaced smoke.
Children play in courtyards, and smoke rises from new kitchen fires.
The reconstruction was led by Ababeel, a Doda-based charity, in coordination with local volunteers.
“Most of the houses are complete, and families have already moved back,” said Advocate Hassan Babar, an Ababeel volunteer. “This winter, no one will sleep in anyone else’s house. We will not rest until every family has a safe, concrete home.”
Relief arrived quickly after the October 14 fire, with truckloads of materials sent over Margan Top before the Kokernag-Warwan-Marwa road closed under snow.
Ababeel delivered more than 1 lakh bricks and 7000 roofing sheets.
Other groups, including the Syed-u-Saadat Foundation from Anantnag, coordinated aid and oversaw reconstruction.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who had taken office just two days after the fire, visited the site and announced Rs 2 lakh in immediate assistance for each family.
The government later sanctioned permanent housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G).
Despite delays in timber delivery, villagers remained determined.
“The wooden logs came late, but we managed,” said Wali Rather, a local. “We had lost everything. We were not going to lose hope again.”
Now, Moolwarwan stands rebuilt as a living symbol of hope, resilience, and community.
