Around 100 godowns, over 50 shops and around seven dwelling houses were reportedly gutted in the inferno.
Newmai News Network
Imphal | February 8
Roaring business activities in the Indo-Myanmar border (Manipur-Myanmar border) was brought to a grinding halt following the sealing of the border prompted by a major fire incident on Wednesday night.
Reports said that over Rs 50 crore worth of properties was destroyed by the inferno at Namphalong Market in the Myanmar side.
According to reports, the incident occurred at around 8:50 pm and continued till midnight. Around 100 godowns, over 50 shops and around seven dwelling houses were reportedly gutted in the inferno. Fortunately, there was no report of human casualty.
It is believed that the fire started from a fire-cracker shop in the market.
Sangaing Chief Minister, Dr Myint Naign and Act East Committee convenor RK Shivachandra with Tengnoupal district police and others visited the market today.
Meanwhile, the IGAR(S) said this evening that 11 Assam Rifles, Moreh police, police commandos and the civil administration of Moreh swung into action immediately after the fire broke out last night.
It stated that the Commandant of 11 Assam Rifles helped in synchronising the efforts of the police, fire services, civil administration of Moreh and Myanmar Army which enabled the timely movement of two fire tenders from Moreh to Namphalong.
According to the IGAR(S), two water bowsers of 11 Assam Rifles were also stationed at Gate Number 2, to react to the eventuality of fire spreading towards Moreh.
The fire could be brought under control around 2:30 am on Thursday after the employment of 7 to 8 fire tenders from Myanmar and five fire tenders from India. Fire tenders from Imphal and other areas were also requisitioned which finally arrived at Moreh at 1:40 am and were immediately pressed into service, the IGAR(S) added.
According to the IGAR(S), approximate 150 meters x 125 meters area of Namphalong market has been gutted down which included 53 shops, 5 concrete houses and other small godowns. The fire was contained at a distance of approximate 60-70 meters from Gate Number 2 on the Indian side.
On Thursday morning, Colonel Zubin Bhatnagar, Officiating Commander, 26 Sector Assam Rifles visited the site and met CO 89 IR of Myanmar Army during which he assured of all assistance. CO 89 IR thanked Officiating Commander for the timely help provided by Assam Rifles and the civil administration of Moreh, India, the IGAR(S) added.
