Fire services yet to be fully operational district
A massive forest fire broke out near Tseminyu town on April 10, damaging a large area of plantations and farmland. No casualties were reported.
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According to Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ) president Kegwayhun Tep, youth volunteers from Tseminyu village, T Zisunyu, and Tseminyu town worked collectively to contain the fire before it reached the town’s vicinity. He stated that the situation could have been disastrous if the fire had not been brought under control in time.
Fire & Emergency Services personnel were also present at the site. However, “because of huge fire outrage they could not control [it] on time,” it was informed.
The fire personnel reportedly came from Chiephobozou, Kohima, about 30 km away from Tseminyu. By the time the personnel reached the spot, the fire had already grown too large to be contained.
It has been learned that although a Fire & Emergency Services station in Tseminyu is nearing completion, it is “yet to set up its office for public wellbeing till date.”
Highlighting the recurring risk of forest fires in the district due to traditional jhum cultivation practices by the Rengma community, the statement stressed that “the necessity to establish the office of Fire & Emergency Services in Tseminyu is of utmost important in order to counter such kind of incidences in the near future.”
In this regard, the Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ), through its President Kegwayhun Tep, has appealed to the authorities. “The Rengma Selo Zi on behalf of the citizens of Tseminyu appeal to the Govt. of the day and the Department of Fire & Emergency Services to set up the office at the earliest for the safety and protection of environment and wellbeing of the citizens and its property,” Tep stated.
It was further informed that the rain has put the fire under control.