Properties destroyed in inferno at Khabung Karong
Locals allege poor reaction from Fire Brigade
Source: The Sangai Express
Senapati, November 19 2020:
In a tragic incident that occurred early this morning, a fire broke out at Khabung Karong village, some 5 km from Senapati Police Station, destroying properties worth lakhs of rupees.
According to sources from Karong village, the fire broke out at around 3:30 am and two houses belonging to one Magdalene, W/o (L) S Shele and another, Lokho Otha, both residents of Khabung Karong village.
Cause of the fire is not known till the filing of this report.
Speaking to this media house, PM Heni, chairman of Khabung Karong village, lamented the late arrival of the fire brigade even though stationed at some 5 km distance when the fire started.
Claiming that the fire fighting vehicle came late with empty fuel and no water, PM Heni added that water brought by the locals in buckets were used to douse the fire.
He also expressed gratitude to District Frontal Organizations and district police personnel for their aid.
Reportedly the fire brigade came from Kangpokpi as the one at Senapati broke down on the way to Karong.
KN Jimreeve, president, Karong Union also expressed dissatisfaction over the poor service of the fire brigade stationed at Senapati district.
The president stated that the department lent a deaf ear when Karong villagers approached them to douse a wildfire early this year and questioned why eligible officers are not stationed at the district headquarters like Senapati.
Two houses with 1 godown were reportedly reduced to ashes by the inferno.