Fire devours 36 shops in Aruchal district

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itagar, May 13: A devastating fire which broke out at Pasighat bazaar in East Siang district on Wednesday midnight has burnt down 36 shops. However, no casualty has been reported so far.

The midnight inferno broke out at around 11.30 PM and engulfed adjoining houses between Oman Complex and Balaji mandir within a moment, an official report informed here today. Besides burning down materials and properties, it also damaged large portion of nearby RCC building of Oman market complex. The cause of the blaze is yet to be ascertained.

Reportedly, two fire tenders-one from Pasghat police and another from Joi (Assam) were pressed into service that doused the fire with the help of local residents.

Pasighat police has registered a case and started investigation into the mysterious fire mishap.

This year it is the third major fire accident to hit Pasighat urban area. Massive fire on January 27 last had gutted down 67 shops at Pasighat market besides partially damaging attached fruit and vegetable markets. Another devastating fire broke out in Daying Ering Memorial Hr. Sec School in early January.

Meanwhile East Siang Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and Zilla Parishad Chairperson visited the spot and took stock of the situation. They are also monitoring the assessment of actual loss and damage caused by the fire.

Local MLA Kaling Moyong has expressed deep shock at the unfortute incident and informed that he has already taken up the matter with Chief Minister Kalikho Pul.