Imphal, March 18 2009:: The Wino Relief Committee, Wino Bazar, Ukhrul has expressed gratitude to all concerns who have extended help throughout the harrowing ordeal of a frightful fire that razed the oldest bazaars of Ukhrul, Wino bazaar on March 9 last.

A press note signed by the Wino Bazaar Relief Committee Convener, Chingya Luithui said that the loss of homes and properties is in itself a tragic consequence for many while giving credit to various individuals who did their utmost in fighting the fire to avert a much larger disaster.

Luithui also expressed the committee's indebtedness to the personnel and Officers of 17 AR (B Coy post of Ukhrul), 165 Territorial Army, B Coy, CO 17AR, DIG 10 Sector, CO 23AR for their prompt responsive help and providing relief materials and support facilities such as medical needs.

It also thanks the Manipur Fire Service personnel, 6Bn Manipur Rifles, the Deputy Commissioner, SDO, and SDPO of Ukhrul, the Water Supply Department of Ukhrul for their timely help.

"Putting out the blaze has closed one chapter in the history of Wino bazaar.

We began another with the efforts to rescue and salvage the little that was left.

Many have continued to help us in this regard," the statement said while acknowledging the help from various individuals, Church and local organisations, village authorities, various villages' members, schools, voluntary organisations.

It thanks the Youth Foundation for Fitness and Services, Imphal, 17 AR, the Ukhrul District Autonomous Council, the BRTF, the Hunphun Katamnao Long etc for their help in clearing the debris.

It also expressed gratitude to the Medical Team from the Ukhrul District Hospital for providing medical care to the victims.

The committee also expressed thankfulness to the Ukhrul District Sports Association, the Hindu Samaj, Ukhrul, RS Wungnaoyo and his family and the young volunteers for helping the committee in such tumultuous and trying situation.

It also acknowledges the support and material help from AMUCO, AMSU, ATSUM, CHSRC, Inter Married Women Welfare Association, etc.

It further informed that any individual or organisation who is willing to help the victims may reach their donation/contribution to the Wino Relief Committee.

The committee also reminds the authorities concerned that the substantial numbers of those affected by the fire are businessmen whose investments have been reduced to ashes while appealing to the authorities to ensure that soft-loans are given to them immediately so as to enable them to re-establish their businesses.

It also urged the authorities to consider the long-term sustainability of any scheme and aid to encourage the self-survival and self-dependency in the face of such calamities in the long run.

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