Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 27 (EMN): Eight persons have been detained at Khuzama police station in connection with the fire that broke out in the southern section of Dzükou valley on Nov. 26.
The president of Southern Angami Youth Organisation (Sayo), Zakielieto Tsükrü told Eastern Mirror that the fire started from the place where the trekkers were camping.
He also informed that Sayo volunteers were able to contain the fire on Tuesday, which has spread to the northeastern side in the direction of Mt. Japfü.
According to him, there were 17 trekkers on the day; however, nine persons left when the fire broke. In a press release, Sayo condemned the “illegal encroachers/trekkers who burned Dzükou valley on Nov. 26 led by the Emüjuthemai guides under the banner of Manipur Mountaineer Trekkers Association (MMTA).”
In this regard, the organisation has asked the authorities to take appropriate action against the culprits at the earliest, failing which, it cautioned, the Sayo will take its course of action.
While expressing its gratitude to all government agencies and authorities for their prompt and timely intervention, the organisation also cautioned anyone against entering Dzükou valley without valid permit.
On Nov. 27 morning, the southern section of Dzükou Valley was set on fire by some trekkers while preparing lunch at around 9.40 am. According to officials, it was due to the “carelessness” of the trekkers that the fire started.
The blaze was headed towards the northeastern side in the direction of Mt. Japfü before the volunteers could brought it under control on Tuesday. A large portion of the valley’s pristine forest has been burned, once again.
