Imphal, March 22 2009: The Information Centre for Hill Areas, Manipur (ICHAM) has handed over relief materials to victims of the Wino bazaar inferno that razed to ground properties worth crores of rupees on March 9. A team of ICHAM members led by its president, N Rajendro rushed the relief materials and cash to Ukhrul district headquarters yesterday and handed over the kitty to the Tangkhul Naga Long president, Stephen Angkang.

Handing over the relief materials which include 50 bags of rice and a cash amount of Rs 10,000, ICHAM President, Rajendro said that the incident of the burning down of Wino bazaar was very unfortunate for the people of Ukhrul.

He also assured that ICHAM will try to extend possible assistance in the rehabilitation of the fire victims.

Rajendro also regretted that several properties which could have been averted from being torn down could not be saved due to lack of equipments and water while appealing the government to provide adequate equipments not only in Ukhrul but to all districts of the state to face such eventuality.

The Tangkhul Naga Long President, Stephen Angkang said that a total of 75 houses and shops were reduced to ashes and an estimated Rs 14.68 crores was lost in the Wino Bazar fire disaster.

He said that a temporary relief camp has been set up at the Tangkhul Naga Long Ground to shelter the victims.

He added that a memorandum to the government has been submitted by the TNL and other civil organisations of Ukhrul through the Deputy Commissioner of the district for the setting up of a Super Market Complex at the razed Wino Bazar while also urging the expansion of the road.

ICHAM team had also extended assistance of Rs 5000 to victims of the inferno at Awang Kasom village.

The team had also attended the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Norther Tangkhul Naga Baptist Association at Nungbi wherein its chief advisor, MK Prishou was the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, MK Prishou said that it is time for an organisation which attained fifty years to stand on its own.

He also urged the people to support their leaders while also extolling the leaders to lead the people in the right track.

Comment