Flames from a wild fire engulf the Hnatham Baptist Church.
Chandel: A Wild fire on April 23 after spreading fast towards Charangching Khunkha, Hnatham and Panchai village in Chandel district not only caused havoc and people panic but left the Hnatham Baptist Church building and the office cum store room reduced to ashes at around 1:30pm.
The inferno also destroyed one house at Charangching Khunkha. A former Chief of Hnatham, Samuel Khumlo, in his attempt to save his village from the fire suffered from 23 percent superficial burns. A Maruti Alto was also partially damaged by the fire.
The fire was seen spreading fast from all sides towards Charangching Khunkha, Hnatham and Panchai village, located at close distance from the main town Japhou Bazar.
On getting information, the fire service station located at Hnatham village, assisted by one fire tender from Imphal, water tankers from 20 AR, 8th MR Leikun and from SP Chandel rushed to the spot.
Later while briefing media, Chief of Hnatham , village Wl Thungam and Pastor Rt Chumboi informed that the Church building and office cum store room with a property worth Rs 80 lacks was destroyed. The Chief went on to express resentment against the district fire service for their inability to save the Church building, as the fire service station is located at Hnatham village just 300-400 yards away from the church building.
He also informed that the fire had damaged all timbres and planks which was kept for extension materials of the village community, worth at a tune of Rs 40000. The fire affected victim from Charangching Khunkha has been identified as Samson Shilsi, aged 45. While briefing media persons, Samson informed that his house and property worth Rs 4 lakh was damaged by the fire.
In this regard, Several organisations including Anal Naga Tangpi (ANTA), Anal Lenruwl Tangpi (ALT) and Chandel Naga People’s Organisation have express serious concern regarding the incident. ANTA President Wng Kohring Victor criticized the district fire service for their inability to prevent the burning of the church and the house.
Citing shortage of fire service stations in the district, Kohring called for adequate supply and better functioning of the fire department. He also expressed hope that the district administration and the govt will pay urgent attention to the affected victims.
The officer in charge of the fire station clarified that out of the two fire fighting vehicles, one is not in a good running condition. The only one good tanker with only 3000 litres is not sufficient for the district. He also said that the director has been informed of the problems with a request to replace the damaged vehicle and water storage reservoir at the station. He also appealed to the public leaders of chandel to press for the same demands. He also observed the need to have one water storage reservoir in and around Japhou Bazar for meeting the needs in case of any fire alarm in the town.
Meanwhile, the President of the Chandel Divisional Unit of Naga People’s Front, Youth wing L Starson Anal, has conveyed appreciation to the CO of 20 AR, and 8th MR Leikun and SP of Chandel for rendering their tankers during the incidence. He also observed that the present numbers of fire service in the district is not sufficient to cater to the requirement.
