Litan inferno claims minor girl, 14 houses reduced to ashes
Source: The Sangai Express / M Zimik

Ukhrul/Litan, February 05 2014: A minor girl was charred to death while fourteen houses were completely reduced to cinders in a devastating fire that broke out at Sareikhong, Litan in Ukhrul district at around 11.15 pm yesterday.

An 8-year old girl, Julia Vashum D/o Sochipem Vashum of Litan was charred to death besides destroying properties including jewellery, gold ornaments, food grains, livestock etc worth crores of rupees.

According to officials, properties destroyed by the fire are worth approximately Rs 6,69,70,360 .

OC of Litan PS, Inspector N Manikanta said that the exact cause of the fire is not known yet while suspecting that it might have possibly originated from an electric short circuit.

The remains of the houseses which were devastated in the raging inferno at Litan

The OC said that on getting the report about the outbreak of fire in the vicinity, the Fire Station at Imphal was informed immediately.

The explosion of domestic LPG cylinders fuelled the inferno and worsened the damages, the OC said.

The fire was doused with the relentless effort of the villagers, Assam Rifles jawans and the fire brigades from Imphal and Ukhrul which arrived at the scene around 1.45 in the morning.

The minor girl Julia Vashum was said to be sleeping with her aunt when the incident occurred.

Her wild cry amidst the inferno and the din of the firefighters was the last trace of Julia.

Some bones believed to be hers were recovered in the morning.

The mangled remains were sent to Imphal for post mortem examination.

Julia was a class II student of Brave Hearts School, Litan.

Luminthang, Litan village headman said that the fire destroyed around 14 houses occupied by 31 families for dwelling purpose, shops and hotels.

More than 4 neighbouring houses were pulled down to prevent further spread of the fire.

He said properties worth crores of rupees were destroyed in the fire.

Meanwhile, the Ukhrul ADC team led by its Chairman John Raleng rushed to the village and made their first public appearance/address after they were elected as ADC members.

The ADC Chairman addressed the villagers at the residence of Litan Headman in the presence of Ukhrul DC, SDO, CEO.

John Raleng also urged the district administration to extend all possible relief materials to the victims' families immediately while assuring to press the Govt to compensate the victims at the earliest.

Rs 5000 was given to the deceased's family by the ADC team besides providing 20 bags of rice, five bags of potatoes, two bags of dal, two bags of salts, and 40 blankets to the displaced families.

The NPF Ukhrul division led by Paul Muinao also visited the village to take stock of the situation.

TNL President Artax Shimray while expressing heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family, assured all possible assistance from TNL toward rehabilitation and restoration efforts.

The Assam Rifles today provided meals and breakfast to the victims' families who are looking forward to help and assistance from individuals and organisations.

The Tangkhul Trade Council sincerely appealed to the Government to set up additional fire sub-unit and mobile fire at strategic areas of the district especially during this dry season.

MLA of Ukhrul AC, Samuel Risom donated 10 bags of rice, a bag each of dal, potatoes and sugar to the victims.

The displaced families are sheltered at makeshift relief camp set up at Veterinary Office and the Litan Tangkhul pastor's quarters.