Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 18:
For the fifth time so far office building of the Commerce and Industries Department located at Lamphelpat has been torched with the latest edition taking place during the wee hours of today.
Identity as to who are behind the latest incident is yet to be ascertained.
According to Fire Service sources, the incident was reported through the telephone at around 1:20 this morning following which a team rushed to douse the fire.
Equipped with fire fighting accessories, the team succeeded in controlling the fire at the break of dawn.
Exact amount of loss incurred in the-incident can only be finalized after probe, added the source.
When police station concerned was asked on the burning of the office building, located a few metres from the Additional DG of Police's residence, they said that no arrest has been made so far.
Meanwhile, expressing remorse at the frequent targeting of the department's building, JAC of Commerce and Industries, representatives of the body speaking to media persons today said that State Government authorities will be urged to launch a hunt to arrest the culprits involved in the crime.
The JAC is constituted by members and officials of the Department affiliated to Non Gazette Employees' Welfare Association and All Manipur Commerce and Industries Department Welfare Association.
The burning incident completely damaged department properties worth around Rs one crore, assessed the JAC.
Besides thirteen office rooms gutted the fire, furniture and office documents were also reduced to ash, the speakers said.
Some of the important sections, among the 13, destroyed by the raging fire include rooms utilized for food processing section, EDB section, conference hall, and rooms belonging to Director, Deputy Director and DI.