Following the fire incident at MMC Shopping Complex, Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung Thsuvisie Phoji on Sunday convened a joint meeting of civil society organizations and government agencies to asses on the damages. The meeting was attended by Ao Senden, Watsu Mungdang, Ao Students’ Conference (AKM), All Ward Union Mokokchung Town (AUMT), Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industries (MCCI), Fire & Emergency Services, SDRF and Police.
The meeting was also attended by advisor of Minority Affairs and Sericulture, Imkongmar.
After a thorough and threadbare discussion, immediate relief and assistance to the affected shop owners, besides rehabilitation were taken up. At the meeting, DC expressed gratitude to all personnel from various agencies involved besides the public in dousing the fire and bringing the situation under control. He disclosed that a total of 62 shops were razed while 73 shops were severely damaged adding a complete assessment was yet to be carried out for the full extent of damage.
He also stated that the suspected cause of the fire was due to short circuit.
He also announced an immediate relief of Rs. 10,000 each to owner of shop that were burnt down and Rs. 5,000 each to the severely damaged shops.
DC clarified that the immediate relief should not be misconstrued as compensation to the loss incurred in the fire.
SDPO Mokokchung, who spoke on behalf of the police department informed that registration of case was underway and added that the complex has been sealed for security reasons and security personnel have been deployed at the complex.
ADC and administrator MMC Chumlamo Humtsoe informed that the damaged building will remain unoccupied till further notice so that further assessment can be done technically for safety of the building. The administrator also gave his assurance that MMC will do utmost justice to all those who have lost their properties and ensure that nobody will be left out.
Meanwhile, Imokongmar, said that his visit was not official but personnel, as he wanted to share the pain and sorrow at the time of grief. He also donated cash towards the relief effort.
On the relief efforts from the government side, he said that there was a procedure to be followed; therefore he urged everyone affected by the fire to be patient as it may take some time. He assured that the state government will take up the matter and will provide the assistance in due course of time.
Meanwhile, Mokokchung Municipal Council has in a notice informed that in view of the damage caused due to fire outbreak at the MMC Shopping complex, and taking into account the safety of the shopkeepers and customers, the RG Block, footwear and 1st floor Shop No. 17 to 42 will be closed rill technical assessment of the structural safety of the building is carried out till further notice.