Blazing inferno reduces Khuga power house to cinders
Source: The Sangai Express / S Singlianmang Guite

Lamka, October 24 2008: For the third time Khuga multi-purpose project was attacked by suspected agitating contractors today, razing the power house that supplies electricity to the project and its equipments.

A 'big generator,' a transformer and three other generators were partially damaged according to Khamzamang, an electrician lineman of the department who stays a few meters away from the power house.

He was inside his house when the fire started at 4.30pm.Initially when the fire was detected, the intensity of the fire was so high that even unbolting the door was dangerous, he said.

The lone Fire Tender of the district arrived about 40 minutes after the fire was first detected and fully put off the flames after about an hour despite the initial difficulties due to live currents.

Fire raging at the power house of Khuga dam reducing it to cinders

Protected on all side with GI sheets with a single door, the power house is prone to burglary through some openings, Kamzamang, also an acting care-taker said.

A company each from 140 Bn BSF and Manipur Rifles were stationed at the site to protect the dam and its properties but the power-house located on the outskirt was not within the periphery of their sentry post.

"We usually patrol the area but we don't have sentry there," a man incharge of the MR said.

SK Mishra, Asst Commandant of 140 Bn BSF told the media that the fire was due to 'electrical short-circuit' but when asked about the evidences, he could only say that he was informed so by the people around the power-house.

IFCD Minister N Biren said that it could not have been an act of arson.

On detecting a two fold-lock on the door, Kam'zamang told the media that the department had bolted the door only with one lock.

"Until yesterday there was only one lock on the door.

I was surprised to see another lock when I rushed to the door after I saw the fire," he said.

When asked what he suspects could be the cause, as he was the first to notice the fire, Kamzamang said, "We have been using the power house since 1986 and nothing of this sort has happened before so I have reservations saying it was due to short-circuit.

The two-fold lock has added to my suspicion" .

Khuga Dam Neglected and Unpaid Liability Holders Contractors and Sub'Contractors Association have since October 6 imposed a ban on the dam but denied their hands in today's fire.

TK Simte, the association secretary said, 'we are not responsible'.

He however refused to rule out the hands of other contractor other than theirs.

The office chamber of EE IFCD had already been ransacked by agitating contractors some years back, while an IED had also been exploded by suspected contractors on July 18 this year.

Annoyed that their bills remains unsettled even after years of executing their work the contra'ctors have formed several association to pressure the government and they have resorted to diverse form of agitation to draw the Govt attention.

Today's attack seems no different.