Fire destroys over 50 houses and shops in Daporijo

[ Karda Natam ]
DAPORIJO, Aug 30: Over 50 houses and shops were reduced to ashes in a devastating fire which broke out around 9.30 AM at New Market, here on Wednesday, rendering 87 families homeless.
Victims have been temporarily sheltered in the DUDA market complex building that has been turned into make-shift relief camp.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained and an investigation is currently on. Reportedly, properties worth over crores were lost in the incident.
Fire tenders along with police and paramilitary personnel reached the spot to evacuate the fire victims and help douse the fire, preventing it from spreading any further.
The authorities are presently assessing the total damage caused in the incident, while local MLA, Dikto Yekar and Chief Minister Pema Khandu have expressed deep grief and sorrow over the unfortunate incident.
The Chief Minister has directed the district administration to provide immediate relief materials to the victims while asking it to press all departments concerned to render logistics in the designated camps.
He assured the people and victims that the government will provide all support in their relief and rehabilitation.
Pema reiterated his appeal to the people to remain extremely cautious to avoid such mishaps.
Pema appreciated the district police, ITBP, CRPF, GREF and members of the market committee for lending help in relief and rescue operations.
Also assuring all possible assistance to the fire victims, MLA Yekar said that the market was one of the oldest and main commercial areas in the district which provided livelihood to hundreds.