Imphal, March 08, 2010: Nearly half of H Phaikoh village in Ukhrul district has been reduced to cinders after a devastating fire broke out at the border village on March 4 morning.

Out of a total of 55 households of H Phaikoh village, which is close to the Indo-Myanmar border 25 structures have been destroyed beyond recovery.

Moreover, the three granaries, one rice mill and an anganwadi centre have also been consumed by the fire that broke out at around 11.30 am.

Villagers told a group of newspersons that strong winds carried flares, that originated from a bushfire, across the Namja river and burnt down almost the entire structures of village where houses are built with timbers and straw.

It is informed that most of the villagers were at plantation sites when the fire broke out and as such a handful of villagers present at that time were left to watch helplessly as the inferno raged.

There is no fire service facilities near the remote village which is near Border Pillars No.102 and 103. Due to its close affinity with the neighbouring Myanmar villages, military personnel and people from Myanmar's Ongchia village reportedly cross the international boundary to assist H Phaikoh villagers in controlling the fire from causing further devastation.

Distance between H Phaikoh and Ongchia is said to be about 2 kilometres.

Inspite of the joint effort half the village has been already destroyed when the other villagers who were at their fields returned home.

The villagers are bracing for the worst as most households stock food-grains for a year apart from the fire also destroying several yongchak, papaya, tamarind and betel nut trees.

Even as the villagers, whose houses have been destroyed have moved in in other's house of the same village, villagers from Myanmar's Mongyang, Ongchia and nearby villages could be seen extending help in the form of food-grains.

Newspersons, also witnessed Myanmar villagers bringing relief materials (rice) on bullock carts yesterday morning.

Volunteers of KSO, Ukhrul district and Chassad Block under the aegis of the district administration had also arrived at H Phaikoh village yesterday with emergency relief materials which included 10 quintal rice, 25 blankets, 24 aluminium pots and 24 plates.

The media team was also informed that collection of relief materials have begun at Aishi village, which is about 18 kilometres from H Phaikoh.

Even though three H Phaikoh villagers suffered injuries in trying to douse the inferno, they have been ruled out of danger.

on the otherhand, Chassad police station OC informed that a police team had conducted spot inquiry on March 7 and the report would be submitted to the State authorities for necessary action.

According to H Phaikoh village chief namely Ngamkhokhai Touthang five houses were also destroyed by fire last November for which there had been no assistance from the State Government till date.

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