The Assam Rifles and the locals successfully put a forest fire in control near the Indo-Myanmar border in Mon district on Sunday evening. According to Major Maneesh Kumar, Post Commander, 27 Assam Rifles, Longwa, the fire broke out in the area between Longwa village and Phomching Town and threatened to engulf the under construction Eklavya Model Residential School.

The Major informed that volunteers from the neighbouring areas made commendable efforts to douse the fire but lack of fire fighting equipment and man power were impeding their success. Despite the ‘Public Emergency’ called by the Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), a team of Assam Rifles troop reached the site and together with the local volunteers, the fire was finally conquered after two hours without loss of life and property.

“The bonhomie between this far flung Indo-Myanmar border post manned by ASSAM RIFLES and the remote village of Longwa has stood the tests of time and continues to blossom even amidst present situation,” Major Kumar stated in the press release. The cause of the forest fire is not found yet, he added.