ES Newdesk

LAZU, Mar 18: In a tragic incident, 114 houses including two lives were lost in a massive fire at a village in Tirap district around mid-day Thursday.
The fire accident which occurred at Longliang village at around 11am to 12.30 pm today gutted 114 houses also killing a 65-year-old man and a 5-year-old girl.
Longliang village which is located  45 kilometres from district headquarters Khonsa has a total household of 139 and a population of 702 as per 2011 Census, DIPRO report states citing Extra Assistant Commissioner In-charge Lazu, DK Thungdok who rushed to the spot to take stock of loss of life and property.
Although a fire tender accompanied by a team of Tirap police rushed to the spot nothing could be saved due to the remoteness and as the fire had completely razed the village within an hour. The reason for the fire accident is yet to be ascertained. 
Expressing grief over the incident, Deputy Commissioner Tirap, Taro Mize informed that as per ground reports there is nothing to eat for the families and appealed locals to come forward and extend all possible help on humanitarian grounds. Essential commodities like rice, salt and potatoes have been sent through special relief team from DC office, Khonsa to meet up the night's dinner requirements.
"I have arranged immediate relief items and will personally visit the village on Friday," he added.
He also informed that Chief Minister Pema Khandu himself contacted him over phone and inquired about the situation. Ministers Wangki Lowang, Honchun Ngandam, legislators Chakat Aboh, Wanglam Sawin, Wanglin Lowangdong and others also personally called and assured to extend all possible help, the DC added.
Speaking to the media, Superintendent of Police Tirap, Kardak Riba informed that they received information about the incident at around 11:30 am and fire tender was rushed to the spot but due to the distance, upon arrival the worst had already occurred.
"The reason for the incident is yet to be ascertained but it couldn't have been from a short circuit," he added. The SP said that a police team will investigate the incident and an FIR has been received from the village chief.
The Tirap DC, SP and HoDs will be visiting the fire victims and bereaved families on Friday alongwith relief items.

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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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