DIMAPUR — Following Sunday’s fire at Mangkolemba town, the Ao Students’
Conference (AKM) has said that the incident was a tragic reminder of the need
to establish a fire station in all the sub-divisions of Nagaland in order to
prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“It is
evident that the lack of proper firefighting facilities has led to significant
losses in terms of property and livelihood. To address this pressing issue, we
urge the government to allocate funds for the construction of fire stations in
all sub-divisions under Mokokchung district on top priority,” it stated in a
press release issued on Monday.
The student
body further extended support to the demands put forward by Temjenmenba, Advisor
for Transport and Technical Education.
“Mangkolemba
sub-division, being one of the oldest sub-divisions in Nagaland, which covers
the ranges of Jangpetkong, Japukong, and Tzürangkong, has been one of the most
neglected areas with poor road connectivity. The government should take this
issue into consideration and provide a fire station service at the earliest for
timely responses during emergencies,” it stated.
The AKM
expressed solidarity with the fire victims of Mangkolemba and urged everyone to
support the affected families.
Meanwhile,
the civil society organisations (CSOs) of Mangkolemba have appealed to S
Kiusumew Yimchunger, Advisor for Fire and Emergency Services, Home Guard, and
Civil Defence, to establish a fire station there.
In a
letter, the CSOs stated Mangkolemba has witnessed numerous fire incidents over
the years. “This year alone, two major incidents were reported, resulting in
houses being completely razed to ashes...With each incident, the community’s
fears grow: how long before these fires claim lives?
“The lack
of an accessible fire station puts everyone at risk,” the letter read. As
reported previously, the nearest fire station is located in Mokokchung town,
nearly 64 km away.
