A significant fire engulfed an abandoned building near the Manipur civil secretariat complex today (June 15), raising alarms close to Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s official residence. Prompt action by fire services averted a potential disaster, with three fire tenders quickly extinguishing the flames within an hour, according to police reports.
The incident occurred at a private abandoned structure formerly owned by the family of late IAS officer T Kipgen, former chief secretary of Goa. Thankfully, there were no casualties reported, and the fire did not extend to the nearby official residence of Chief Minister N Biren Singh, where security measures were swiftly reinforced following the blaze.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, which remains unclear at this time. The building had been deserted since violence erupted in Manipur last year, linked to ethnic clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities. The Kuki Inpi, the apex body of the Kuki tribe, had relocated from the premises amidst the unrest that has plagued Manipur, resulting in over 219 fatalities.
Manipur, with its diverse demographic composition, faces ongoing challenges stemming from ethnic tensions. Meiteis constitute a majority of the population in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, make up a significant portion residing predominantly in the hill districts.