Solidarity messages after devastating fire

Former Nagaland Chief Minister and Maharashtra Governor Dr. S. C. Jamir with Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at the Chief Minister’s Residential Office today. The former had called on Rio in the aftermath of the CM’s official residence being burnt in an accidental fire that was caused due to an electrical short circuit. (Right) Leaders of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) seen with Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. The NPF Central Office members had called on the Chief Minister to express concern and solidarity with the Chief Minister whose official residence had got burnt in an accidental fire that was caused by an electrical short circuit. (Photo: Chief Minister’s Office, Nagaland)

 Dimapur, February 9 (MExN): In the wake of the devastating fire which burned down the Chief Minister’s official residence on Tuesday night, several organizations have offered their solidarity in a series of message received throughout the day.
“It was really demoralizing to witness the gutting down of Chief Minister’s official Bungalow on February 8, 2011 which was beyond belief that such tragic fire incident could take place in a much admired house in the state due to short circuit in the power line”, stated a press note from the Naga Hoho signed by its President Keviletuo Kiewhuo and General Secretary P. Chuba Ozukum. The Naga Hoho extended its deepest sympathy to Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland and his family members for what it described as “the unforgettable traumatic time they had to experience”.
In another press note, the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) also expressed its deepest sorrow at the unfortunate fire incident. Meanwhile other solidarity messages were also received expressing “deep despair over the news of the tragic fire incident”. “The disastrous inferno has devastated Nagaland’s most symbolic abode which is not only the residence of Chief Minister but also the source that emanates thoughts and dreams for better Nagaland.  We convey our ardent solidarity and uphold prayers of empathy”, stated a solidarity message issued by Aching, Chief Angh and Chairman Village Council Chi Village on behalf of all Chi village citizens.
The Diocese of Kohima has also extended the sympathy of the Catholic Church to the Chief Minister besides sharing their pain at the huge loss of property. Expressing its sympathy, the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Kohima, Archbishop Dominic Lumon said, “I assure the prayerful support of the entire Catholic Community of Nagaland to the Chief Minister and his dear ones at this moment of grief.” The Delegate of the Apostolic Administrator, Rev. Fr. Carolus Neisalhou, while expressing his sorrow at the accident stated, “The entire Catholic Community in the State shares the grief of the family of the Chief Minister of our State.” He also stated that the Church would always stand by our Leader in their effort to do good to the people of the land.
Expressing concern over the fire accident at Chief Minister’s residence on February 8, the Kohima Aor Telongjem (KAT) has stated in a note that it is much aggrieved about the incident.
“It is indeed a time od superfluous and redundant circumstances and situation for all the people of Nagaland, the Kohima Ao Union equally share the anguish and distress together with our Hon’ble Chief Minister and family and his esteem officials and the people of Nagaland in general,” said the union in a press note. It also added: "We thank our Almighty God for not a soul was hurt in such unwarranted calamities.”
In another note the NPF, 5-Gaspani –II has said: “Though we are sad at the loss and damage the fire might have caused, we are at the same time happy and thankful to god that nothing happened to out hon’ble CM and his family. May God continue to protect and use him to lead Nagas in the right direction.”
Also the Nagaland Taxation Services Association (NTSA) has expressed sympathy over the tragedy. “Though the grief and loss caused by the incident can never be undermined, we thank the almighty God for intervening at the right time to bring the fire under control without any casualty. The NTSA conveys our profound sympathy to the Chief Minster of Nagaland, Shri Neiphiu Rio and his family members over the unfortunate incident.”
Moreover, the Mao Union Kohima and Mao Women Union Kohima have expressed sadness over the incident of unfortunate fire which broke-out and destroyed the official residence of Chief Minister of Nagaland in Kohima on February 8. However, the unions in a joint press note issued by Lolia Susan, president, Mao Women Union Kohima and H. Lokho Krichena, president, Mao Union Kohima thank God for his providence of life safety over Neiphiu Rio and his family members from the rage of fire. The unions also share the lost of properties, suffering and pain caused to the family members of Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland.