Major Fire Guts Building Near Manipur Secretariat, Inches from Chief Minister’s Residence Imphal, June 2023: A raging inferno engulfed a building situated mere meters from the Manipur Secretariat complex, posing a grave threat to the official residence of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. Firefighters battled the relentless blaze for hours, as thick black smoke billowed into the sky, obscuring visibility in the area. The inferno consumed the upper floors of a multi-storied building, where several government offices were housed. Initial reports indicate that the fire may have originated due to an electrical short circuit. However, the exact cause is still under investigation. Emergency services swiftly evacuated the Secretariat and the neighboring areas as a precautionary measure. “The fire was intense, and it spread with alarming speed. The building was soon engulfed in flames,” said an eyewitness. The Chief Minister’s residence, located just steps away, remained intact. However, the fire’s proximity sent shockwaves through the complex, and security was immediately beefed up. “We are grateful that the Chief Minister and his family are safe. The fire was a close call, and it could have been much worse,” said a senior government official. Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby buildings. No casualties have been reported, but the extent of property damage is significant. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh visited the site and expressed his concern over the incident. He ordered an immediate inquiry into the cause of the fire and directed authorities to provide assistance to those affected. Authorities have urged residents to stay clear of the area as firefighting operations continue. The Secretariat complex, a hub for government activities, has been closed until further notice.Fire Breaks Out Near Manipur Secretariat Complex
Fire Breaks Out Near Manipur Secretariat Complex A significant fire erupted today in a building located near the high-security Secretariat complex in Manipur’s capital, Imphal. The blaze broke out in a building situated only a few hundred meters from Chief Minister N. Biren Singh’s official residence. Four fire engines were dispatched to the scene and managed to extinguish the fire this evening. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the incident. The affected building houses the headquarters of Kuki Inpi, a civil society group representing the Kuki tribes. This group has been involved in supporting the demand of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) for the establishment of a separate administration within Manipur. The fire comes just days after renewed violence erupted in Manipur’s Jiribam district, which borders Assam. The clashes occurred between the valley-dominant Meitei community and the hill-dominant Hmar tribes. The ongoing conflicts in Manipur highlight the region’s complex ethnic and political tensions. Authorities are working to restore peace and order while investigating the recent incidents.
Major Fire Near Manipur Secretariat, Close to Chief Minister’s House Imphal, March 8: A major fire broke out near the Manipur Secretariat today, posing a serious threat to the state government’s administrative building and the nearby residence of Chief Minister N. Biren Singh. The fire started in a vacant plot adjacent to the Secretariat at around 11 am. Flames quickly spread, fuelled by dry vegetation and debris. Thick smoke billowed into the sky, causing visibility problems in the area. Firefighters rushed to the scene and battled the blaze for several hours before bringing it under control. However, by that time, the fire had already caused extensive damage to the Secretariat’s compound, including the destruction of several vehicles. The Secretariat building was not affected by the fire, but the incident prompted authorities to evacuate the premises as a precautionary measure. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, who was at his residence at the time of the fire, was also evacuated along with his family. No injuries or fatalities have been reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The fire has raised concerns about the security of the Manipur Secretariat and the Chief Minister’s house. Authorities have assured the public that the area is now secure and that measures are being taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
