Massive fire engulfed the Mokokchung Shopping Complex (MMC), resulting in 62 shops being completely burnt down, while 73 shops were severely damaged.
It was informed during the emergency meeting held today at the DC’s Bungalow in Mokokchung, which was attended by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) including Ao Senden, Watsü Mungdang, Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), All Ward Union Mokokchung Town (AWUMT), as well as Police, SDRF, and others. The meeting was also attended by Imkongmar, Advisor, Minority Affairs & Sericulture, Government of Nagaland who rushed from Dimapur to Mokokchung to attend the meeting and also visited the site for spot verification.
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Advisor Imkongmar, in his address, said, “It is a huge loss. It is Nagaland Government property, and it is a loss to the whole of Nagaland, not just for Mokokchung.” For emergency relief funds, the advisor donated Rs three lakh.
He mentioned that from individuals, donations can be made anytime, but for government procedures, it takes time.
Stating that the ten elected Ao legislators from the district were elected by the people of Mokokchung to address such issues, Imkongmar assured that they will do their job and mentioned that only when the report is ready, the work will begin and will be done. He further added that contributions are needed when such incidents occur in the near future and asked to ponder upon on it as well.
Thsuvisie Poji, Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, commented, “We cannot term last night’s incident as man-made nor a natural disaster, but an unfortunate incident that has alarmed everyone.”
He also informed that fortunately, no loss of life was reported, but the damage to the shops and stock occurred. He informed that Rs 10,000 each would be compensated to the victims of the 62 shop owners as Emergency Relief Fund. He also stated that the district administration has talked with the Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) and that Rs 5,000 each would be given to the severely damaged 73 shops, stating “this will not compensate for the loss of property incurred by the fire, but it is an emergency relief fund to help them.”
The DC also addressed one of the problems seen during the incident, which was the heavy traffic jam that hindered the movement of the fire brigades. He stated, “Yes, we understand that people come with concern, but it is not necessary to come to the incident spot with cars; but park the cars responsibly.”
He expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude to all the people and volunteers who came forward from all walks of life to help. The DC also acknowledged frontline workers who are specialists, police, firefighters, emergency services, Assam Rifles, as well as the MCCI, all civil societies, and the press fraternity who fought courageously to douse the fire.
Further, Phoji asked, “What should we do in the future if something like this happens, and will we be prepared for such incidents?” The DC said, “That was the beauty of Mokokchung Town” and said it is not the property of any individual but the property of all the people.
A half burnt Bible retrieved from one of the shops
The Additional Deputy Commissioner and Administrator of MMC, Chumlamo Humtsoe, stated that he received information around 9:05 to 9:10 pm when the night chowkidar noticed the fire. The chowkidar reported the fire five hours after the shops were closed, which is around 4:30 pm. The MMC administrator pointed out the unavailability of a fire detector and stated that further restoration of the building would proceed immediately. He assured that justice would be done for all the victims.
Tizhisie Pojar, SDPO Mkg, in his address, informed that case registration is underway and the investigation process is ongoing. He also mentioned that they are providing 24-hour security at the site to prevent any vandalization.
Tsukti Longkumer, President of the Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI), stated in his address that the business community comprises solely local entrepreneurs. Among the 100-plus shops at MMC, 90 percent are operated by women. He mentioned that support for local entrepreneurs and hard work efforts have been at a loss. Longkumer also suggested that temporary makeshifts should be changed to pakka.
He acknowledged the commendable job done by everyone and highlighted that safety measures are not taken seriously by everyone. He emphasized, “We are still lacking behind in this aspect.”
Longkumer suggested that in the new renovation, considerations should be given to light wiring to avoid short circuits and encouraged new innovations in this area. He also addressed an important measure in times of such incidents: during water scarcity, he suggested the availability of fire extinguishers.
He further informed that the cost of damage has not been assessed yet. The victims were informed to report the cost of damage to the MCCI, which will then be reported to the Deputy Commissioner.
Longkumer stated that this incident is one of the most massive destructions to happen in Mokokchung so far. He also informed that any individuals or groups who want to help and contribute to the victims are welcomed.
Chubawati Longchar, President of Ao Senden, in his address, said that it is a huge loss for the people of Mokokchung district. He commended the successful unity of the community from all walks of life. He stated, “On behalf of the people of Mokokchung,” to the Chief Minister, appealing sincerely that “the yardstick should be only one” with regard to all districts of the state.
Limanungsang, All Ward Union Mokokchung Town President too raised the traffic issue on Saturday night which he termed as the worst traffic jam in Mokokchung so far. He expressed that Mokokchung people should be smart on such incidents and act responsibly. He also acknowledged the water carriers and sellers and even the public who contributed by bringing water from their household.
The President of AWUMT also questioned about the new steps and measures to be taken with the learnings from this experience. With regards to the victims of the fire, he informed that all of them are members and residents of the 18 wards of Mokokchung.
Lanutemjen, Company Commander of the Home Guard Civil Defence and SDRF in Mokokchung, also informed that he rushed to the spot upon hearing the news at around 9:55 pm, leading 30 SDRF personnel with him. He mentioned that “for the first time, Fire Balls were used to douse the fire, as well as Fire Gel,” specifying that three Fire Balls and two Fire Gels were utilized. Based on his experience, he requested more Fire Balls, Fire Suits, and Fire Gels to be kept in stock. Lanutemjen also informed that three gas cylinders were taken out during the fire incidents.
The Fire and Emergency Services informed that all resources and manpower were deployed, and they commended the public for their assistance. They also stressed on conducting awareness programs for the public on fire safety. They requested that fire safety installations should be given priority, and the public should be informed about it and emphasized that their services are always ready for the safety of all.
Colonel Rahul Gurung, KC, Commandant and Bivash Biswas, Assistant Commandant informed that the 12 Assam Rifles received the news around 9:40 pm about the massive fire breaking out in the MMC shopping complex, Mokokchung. Immediately, firefighting columns consisting of 2 officers, 2 JCOs, and 68 other ranks, along with 2 water browsers, an ambulance, and firefighting equipment, were launched. Col Gurung further informed that both water browsers were on a continuous trip of water supply, and 36 Fireballs, 2 Fire Extinguisher dry powder, 12 quantities of ABC dry powder, and 13 quantities of BC dry powder were utilized during the dousing of the fire.
The president of the Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), Lanutoshi Aier, also emphasized the importance of supporting and contributing to the victims through crowdfunding and various activities. The DC of Mokokchung has requested AKM to initiate crowdfunding to provide relief to the victims whose shops were burnt down. The president of Watsü Mungdang (the apex body of the Ao Women’s Organization) also addressed concerns and responded to the situation.
After the emergency meeting, Advisor Imkongmar, accompanied by District Administrators and Civil Society representatives, visited the site for spot verification and inspection.
