Khonsa, Oct 21: A devastating fire broke out at Khonsa Market in Tirap District on Monday reportedly caused by firecrackers during Diwali celebrations. The blaze spread rapidly through several shops, triggering panic among residents and business owners.
Tirap Deputy Commissioner Techu Aran, accompanied by ADC Khonsa, Namneet Singh, immediately coordinated the response efforts with the Fire Brigade, 44 Assam Rifles, 36 Bn CRPF, SDRF personnel, and local volunteers. Their swift and coordinated action successfully contained the fire, preventing further spread and damage.
Fortunately, no loss of life has been reported. The assessment of property damage is currently underway.
Upon receiving the news, local MLA Wanglam Sawin, along with the DC and other officials visited the affected site at Khonsa Bazar today.
Sawin assured that he would take up the matter of relief and compensation with higher authorities in consultation with the concerned departments and the District Administration after a detailed assessment of the losses. He further emphasized the need to stop illegal tapping of electricity connections in Khonsa Bazar and nearby residential areas. The MLA informed that meter boxes would soon be installed in every household and commercial establishment to ensure proper billing and timely payment of government revenue. He urged all stakeholders to cooperate by clearing electricity and water supply bills regularly.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC expressed concern that despite several instructions issued by the District Administration mandating every shop to keep a fire extinguisher, most vendors have failed to comply. He strongly appealed to all shop owners to compulsorily install fire extinguishers to prevent similar mishaps in the future. The DC also directed all bazaar encroachers to remove roadside sheds to keep passageways clear for fire tenders during emergencies. He assured that the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) would conduct a proper assessment and extend necessary relief assistance to the affected shop owners.
Meanwhile, BJP District President Lankham Wangsu conveyed a message from Minister Wangki Lowang, stating that the Minister would provide relief items to the affected families from his side. Wangsu also appealed to the affected property owners not to claim compensation for themselves but to allow the actual shopkeepers running the businesses to avail government relief benefits.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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