Imphal, August 02 2010: The blazing inferno that broke out from a room storing petrol for black marketing inside 2nd Bn MR campus has clearly exposed the rot in the Home Department, asserted Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister Yumkham Erabot today.

The inferno reduced more than 30 family quarters to cinders.

Conducting a spot assessment of the damages caused by the fire, Erabot said that a detailed report would be sent to the Union Home Ministry about the incident.

After enquiring how the devastating fire broke out, the CAF&PD Minister, on receiving information that petrol and diesel are being stocked in some family quarters just beyond the 2nd MR campus for sale in black market, raided some quarters together with his officials.

During the raid, several quantities of petrol and diesel were seized from quarters belonging to employees/personnel of Manipur Police Wireless and MR.Many other articles like barrels were also recovered.

Vessels and barrels containing diesel and petrol were found concealed behind latrines and bushy spots.

Incidentally, the raid was conducted with the permission and in association with the owners.

The seized items would be kept in the Minister's house before they are disposed off according to rules in consultation with relevant departments in the next couple of days.

Speaking to media persons at the site of the inferno, Erabot said that the devastating fire which broke out from petrol kept for sale in black market inside the security zone of 2nd MR campus was a clear indication of the abject failure of Home Department.

There was strong possibility about involvement of security officials in the fuel oil racket, Erabot stated.

In the aftermath of the prolonged economic blockade, the State has been facing an alarming situation due to acute shortage of petroleum products and PDS items.

It was at this crucial period that security personnel meant for maintenance of law and order were found involved in black marketing as exposed by the devastating fire mishap.

This was clear indication of the abject failure of Home Department, the CAF&PD Minister asserted.

He went on to ask what 2nd MR officials did all these days before the raging fire destroyed 30 family quarters completely.

Erabot said that explicit reports about today's incident would be sent to the Union Home Ministry as well as the State Government.

Today's fire was so ferocious that the three hour long struggle of Fire Service using five fire tenders could not bring it under control.

Additional fire tenders were called from Mayang Imphal and Thoubal.

Comment