The Readymade Garments Union, Mokokchung, on June 6 submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, seeking the immediate release of relief funds and reconstruction of shops under the Mokokchung Municipal Council (MMC) Shopping Complex that were destroyed in a major fire on February 3, 2024.

The memorandum, jointly signed by the President and Secretary of both the Readymade Garments

Union and the Khadi Union, Mokokchung, highlighted the continued hardships faced by the traders and

retailers of readymade garments who were affected by the fire.

The Union recalled that the fire, which occurred on February 3 last year, devastated the MMC Shopping Complex and destroyed properties worth several lakhs of rupees. It impacted many shop-owners, especially traders and retailers of readymade garments, whose businesses were their sole source of income.

It stated that the fire victims are yet to recover both financially and personally even after more than a year since the incident.

The memorandum noted that despite writing through proper channels to the Chief Minister on

August 16, 2024, requesting the release of relief funds, no response has been received from the State Government till date.

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It stressed that many of the traders/fire victims had invested all their resources into their businesses and are now struggling with no hope in sight.

In light of these ongoing difficulties, the Readymade Garments Union, after detailed discussions with the affected victims, once again appealed to the State Government through the Deputy Commissioner to consider the plight of the fire victims and extend relief at the earliest possible time.

Describing the current situation as a “humanitarian crisis”, the Union stated that the victims have no one to turn to and urged the government to address and resolve their distress. It also strongly urged the

State Government to urgently rebuild the shops under the MMC Complex that were destroyed in the fire in order to restore the livelihoods lost.

“It is our sincere plight that the State Government release the building fund to rebuild the shops without anymore delay,” the Union stated in the memorandum.

The Union earnestly requested the Deputy Commissioner to treat the issue with utmost importance and take prompt, effective steps to compensate the victims, asserting their strong belief that justice and fair treatment would be ensured. The Union concluded by expressing appreciation for any action taken in response to the appeal.

The memorandum was signed by Saku K, President of the Khadi Union and President of the Readymade

Garments Union, and Temsuyong A, Secretary of the Khadi Union and Secretary of the Readymade

Garments Union.