Ukhrul, March 08, 2010: Even after one year of the devastating fire that broke out at Wino Bazar (March 9, 2009), that left over 90 families homeless apart from causing massive loss of property, the State Government yet to provide a single penny to the distraught victims.

Owing to absolute absence of financial or material assistance from the SPF government, inspite of the incident declared as 'natural disaster' by the visiting Ministers and the matter discussed on the floor of the Assembly on March 17, 2009, many of the victims are facing severe financial hardships.

The Chief Minister after sending a team of Ministers on the next day of the inferno, had declared during the then Assembly session that the government would take all necessary measures for reconstruction of the demaged building apart from extending requisite relief.

Moreover, the Chief Minister also assured that atlest two fire tenders would be provided at all the fire stations of the hill districts and maintain large ponds near the station to serve as water storage tanks.

However, till date not a single promise made by the Okram Ibobi in the assembly had been translated into action, fumed Athing Kaping, victim of the fire incident.

Talking to The Sangai Express, Ricky Shaiza proprietor of Mischief Arcade, one of the largest garment store also reduced to cinders, said with the exception of superficial material assistance and promise for giving loan the government has not done anything.

when the victims inquired as to when the loan would be given authorities concerned informed that it is under process at Manipur State Cooperative Bank, Ricky said.

Pondering on alleged inaction by the ministerial team that rushed here and took stock of the situation (damage) Ricky asserted that the victims are not asking for the moon but only seeking government help towards compensating the victim families as a rightful citizen.

Another victim woman and mother of four children, confided that having lost everything in the inferno she is now not in a position to repay loan taken from the private agencies, whose agents hounded her to clear the loan amount.

Left with no other option she left home and has been trying to eke out a decent livelihood in Meghalaya as well as repay the due loan amount.

Mention may be made that report furnished by the Wino Relief Commitee cited that a total number of 55 shops, 53 residential buildings, five Government quarters (teachers), a mini cinema hall, residence cum office of Tangkhul Shanao Long and major communication installations like Airtel tower, BSNL cable lines were destroyed.

Moreover, 36 partially burnt shops were pulled down to avert mishaps.

the total loss of properties and other assets is estimated to Rs 30 crores.

The victims are set to observe the first anirversary tomorrow, said W Zingkhai, convenor of the victims' body.

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