Fire at Lazu: Aruchal Chief Minister seeks report

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itagar, Jan 3: Expressing deep concern over the fire mishap at Lazu village near Myanmar border on December 31 last that reduced 38 dwelling houses to ashes, Chief Minister bam Tuki directed Tirap district administration to assess the losses incurred by the villagers and submit the report soon for releasing the relief.

However, taking strong note of repeated fire mishaps, the chief minister appealed to the masses to take precautiory measures as this being dry season such incidents could often occur because of negligence, an official communiqué said here today.

Tuki also directed all the DC to create mass awareness to take preventive measures to prevent such mishaps.

At least 38 residential houses, including a community hall, were reduced to ashes in a major fire in Lazu village, some 42 km from Khonsa, on New Year Eve at 1.30 pm.

One ‘Pang’ (male dormitory) and 23 houses were also damaged partially in the fire.

The fire brigade from Khonsa rushed to the spot. But, in the meantime, the fire devoured 38 houses.

Though deaths of few domestic animals are reported, there was no loss of life or injuries.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

The fire victims are currently taking shelter in their relatives’ houses. There were around 220 houses in the village.

The Assam Rifles based in Lazu are providing basic requirements like drinking water, tent houses etc to the helpless ones.

Meanwhile, District Administration has sanctioned Rs.5000 each to the victims along with 60 bag rice as immediate relief. Tirap Deputy Commissioner Ravi Jha instructed Lazu EAC to make correct and detailed assessment of properties lost or damaged in the inferno.

Tirap ZPC Chahwang Lowang has doted six bags of rice and some blankets to the fire victims.

While expressing shock and grief over the fire accident in Lazu, Minister for Civil Supplies, DoTCL and Mining and local MLA Tirong Aboh appealed to the district administration and all other govt agencies to extend helping hands and service voluntarily to the victims.